Giant Orange – Marigold Seed

Tall, strong stems for cut flowers.
Large flower heads, avg. 3", sit atop sturdy plants. These giant marigolds are prolific producers for cuts as well as excellent garden performers. Sturdy, uniform flower heads are also useful for marigold garlands. Also known as African marigold, American marigold, and Aztec marigold.

• Edible Flowers: Use the flowers to dress up salads and desserts or cooked in egg or rice dishes. Flavor is floral with hints of citrus and spice, and slightly bitter. Remove the petals from the flower base before consuming as the base can be quite bitter.

Ht. 36-40". Avg. 6,900 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 4-7 days at 75-80°F (24-27°C).

SOWING: Transplant: Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. For flowering packs sow 8 weeks before desired bloom time. Lightly cover the seed. Keep soil surface moist until emergence. Transplant to cell packs
or larger containers when true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside when the danger of frost has passed. Direct seed: After last frost, sow 1/4" deep. Thin when true leaves appear.

NOTES: High temperatures can cause plants to stall, and temporarily decline in growth and bloom.
Deadhead regularly to increase blooms.
Pinch to make the plants bushier.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average soil. Feed moderately.

PLANT SPACING: 8-18". French Marigold: 8-12". Gem Marigold: 12". African Marigold: 12-18".

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Flowers are fully open but still have tight centers.

USES: Beds, borders, mass plantings, containers, and window boxes. Cut flower (‘Giant’ series). Edible flower. Bedding plant (‘Durango’ and ‘Queen Sophia’).

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tagetes spp.