Signet Marigold Care Must-Knows
Signet marigolds grow best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They will tolerate periods of drought after they establish a strong root system. Start plants from seed or from transplants. Seeds can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep, and keep the soil moist until you are ready to transplant them outside. Put together a deer and rabbit-resistant container garden with marigolds. Or, you can sow seed directly into well-worked garden soil once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and plant them ¼ inch deep. Marigold seeds germinate quickly, so expect to see fine, grasslike foliage pop out of the ground about 7 days after planting. Water plants regularly for the best blossom. Fertilizing can improve flowering, but it is not necessary. If you decide to fertilize, use an all-purpose fertilizer every couple of weeks, following package application directions carefully. If plants become tall, lanky, and bedraggled looking, cut them back by half their height, and they will send forth new foliage and blossoms. Use edible flowers, like ‘Tangerine Gem,’ in your cooking.
