French Marigold Seeds
Tagetes patula nana
African Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Indian Marigold, Stinking Roger, Khaki Weed
With its small, bright orange flowers over neat hummocks of finely cut foliage, this is an excellent edging plant for the flower border, in containers or vegetable beds. French marigolds are popular with bees and other pollinating insects.
The fragrant flowers have a number of culinary uses, and their mild citrus taste makes them perfect for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Average height: 20-30cm
Aspect: Full sun, or full sun in the morning, and part-shade in the afternoon
Soil type: Rich or poor soils, but better blooms will be had in poor soils
Sowing period: Indoors from February to April
First signs of blossom: 8 weeks
Average flowering period: 5 months
Contents: Approximately 50 seeds
Harvesting
Pick flowers as soon as they are open, removing the white heel of the petal, which can taste bitter.