Mexican Marigold Orange Anise

What Mexican Marigold Orange Anise is

Mexican Marigold Orange Anise (Calendula officinalis) is an annual herb of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Mexican tarragon is native to Mexico.

It is a half-hardy perennial in warmer regions and can be grown as an annual in temperate regions.

Reaches a height of up to 70 cm, has shiny narrow green leaves and bears clusters of small golden-yellow flower heads.

It is draught-tolerant and needs full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.

Marigold is both a medicinal herb and a cheerful orange flower — for ointments, tea and salads, and in the garden it repels pests.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 82%
• Seeds per packet: 170–230 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: March and April; direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Harvest: July – November
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Mexican Marigold Orange Anise

Mexican Marigold Orange Anise seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in July and August. The crop is harvested from July to November. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Mexican Marigold Orange Anise

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1–2 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Mexican marigold dislikes cold soil, so plant after all danger of frost has passed and the soil does not feel cold to your hand in the morning. Sow the seeds directly on the soil, pressing them gently into the soil for full contact. Keep the soil moist during germination, then reduce watering until the top inch of soil dries slightly. Once it starts to grow, it is hardy and does not need much attention or fertilising. The only thing it needs is full sun to light shade - this is a plant that will not tolerate full shade. Once flowers appear, pick them every few days to encourage repeat flowering and avoid seed set. Once the first few flowers die and start to produce seeds, the whole plant slows down considerably.

Sow directly in spring or autumn; undemanding as to soil. Remove spent flowers for continuous flowering.

Harvest and use

Pick the flowers in full bloom and dry them in the shade.

Frequently asked questions

When should Mexican Marigold Orange Anise be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 170–230 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 82%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why is marigold planted next to vegetables?

It attracts beneficial insects and repels some pests — a good neighbour for tomatoes and cabbage.