Starfire Gem Marigolds
Low cushions of deep-green, feathery foliage covered with bright little edible flowers by the zillion. Keeps blooming all summer without deadheading, with a citrus fragrance from both flowers and foliage. 3/4" flowers are perfect to float in a drink, add to salad, use for garnish. Pluck the petals out of their green base; it tends to be bitter. The small photo shows some blooming at the feet of tomato vines, (The leaves are from the tomato.) where they attract beneficial insects and discourage pests. I like to plant them in tubs near areas for sitting on summer evenings--the citrus scent discourages mosquitos. Our mix includes both lemon and tangerine gems, one bright yellow, the other golden, with slightly different scent and flavor. (The tangerine flowers are milder tasting.) These are Tagetes tenuifolia, or signet marigold. 62 days. 60 seeds