Marigold Starfire Mix

£4.00

Starfire Mix marigolds, along with their relatives of the Tagetes genus, are annual plants native to Mexico and Central America, popular for their delicate, tiny, single, golden-to-orange flowers, lacy foliage and dwarf habit. There are many reasons why marigolds are used widely as an old-fashioned bedding plant: They are hardy and easy to grow – a leading companion plant that repels pests, and their flowers and leaves have a superb citrusy flavour. Beyond being a common decorative plant, one of the most striking uses for the plant is in ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations in Mexico, where they are called Flores de Muerto

Common name Marigold
Latin name Tagetes tenuifolia
Variety Starfire Mix
Quantity 300 seeds
Plant size Height: 30 cm
Width: 30 cm
Container size Height: 20 cm
Width: 20 cm
Companion plant(s) Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, cucumbers, melons.
Planting outdoors Apr to Jun
Germination 5 to 15 days
Harvesting 70 days
Planting 5 cm apart, at a depth of 0.5 cm
Thinning 10 cm apart
Light Full sun to partial shade
Soil Well-drained, light and moist soil
Watering Regular, heavy watering
Feeding Light feeding
Caring Pinch the tops of the plants to encourage bushier plants and deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Water well in dry heat, but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Beneficial wildlife Attracts bees and butterflies.
Pests Repels whiteflies, nematodes and mosquitoes
Harvesting Harvest marigold flowers as they open in late morning for garlands, cut flowers and edible uses. Marigolds are easy to dry and store for later use. Spread the flowers on a screen to dry in a well-ventilated, shady location and store in glass jars.
Eating Medicinal properties: They are used as a remedy for snakebites and bruises in Central and South America.

How to eat: Marigolds are eaten as petals or leaves, raw or blanched, fresh or dry, sweet or savoury, in salads, cakes and teas. They also add a rich colour to stews, sauces and soups, including classic marigold cheese soup in the U.S.
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