durango outback mix marigolds
tagetes patula

days to maturity: 50 days
plant spacing: 2 plants per square foot
sunlight requirements: 8-14 hours
look out for: mealy bugs at the base
harvest notes: pop flowers off the plant 2-3 days per week
seasons: fall, winter, spring, summer
annual

Glorious marigolds flower in the colors of the sun: brilliant yellow, bold orange, rich gold and russet tones, and electric red. They’ve enchanted generations with their matchless colors. prolific blooms and drought tolerance. Its edible flowers are held either well above the fine-textured, dark green foliage or tucked in with the foliage, depending on the cultivar. They brighten up any sunny area in the landscape and attract attention. This variety is a mix of colors so you never know what you’ll get from plant to plant.

All marigolds are edible and we recommend popping the flower off of the stem, then cutting all the petals out of the green calyx in one quick snip. The marigold petals are then used like sprinkles, and its a great way to fancy up all of your salads and cakes. Marigolds can also be used as a material for dyeing. All marigold varieties including this one are said to help deter pests because of their pungent aroma. While there is little evidence to prove that this companion planting technique works theres no harm in including marigolds in your veggie garden regardless, since they’re edible, beautiful and potentially pest deterrent.