Signet Marigold
tagetes tenuifolia
Also known as: ["Lemon Marigold","Lemon Gem Marigold"]
Overview
A compact, bushy annual with finely divided, aromatic foliage and small, bright yellow or orange flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tagetes |
| Botanical Name: | Tagetes tenuifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus or succulent mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Pinch back tips every few weeks during the growing season; deadhead flowers as they fade.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning once flowering begins unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; use reflective surfaces to increase light; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Prefers warm conditions (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in summer heat; sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering based on temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly to avoid leggy growth; stop fertilizing when flowering slows; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings root easily in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or soil.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water for rooting cuttings.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; use a mild rooting hormone if desired.
Timeline
Roots develop in 1–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch or snip off the tips of stems with clean, sharp tools; remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Pruning Plan
Prune to encourage bushier growth and more flowers; remove spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, scissors, or your fingers for pinching.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or diseased parts; encourage bushy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; typically every 1–2 years.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water early in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; bud drop during temperature fluctuations.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; plant becomes more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Solution: Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; cover outdoor plants with frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaves may scorch or develop brown edges; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTagetes tenuifolia is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for feline consumption, though excessive ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicTagetes tenuifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for canine consumption, though large amounts may cause mild digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicTagetes tenuifolia, commonly known as signet marigold, is generally considered safe for human consumption in small amounts, often used in culinary applications. However, excessive ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils and compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Tagetes tenuifolia flowers edible?
A: Yes, the flowers and foliage are edible and have a lemony flavor, often used in salads.
Q: How often should I water Tagetes tenuifolia?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; they are drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Do Tagetes tenuifolia repel pests?
A: Yes, they are known to repel nematodes and other garden pests due to their aromatic foliage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
