One of my favorite summer flowering annuals is the signet marigold, Tagetes tenuifolia.
This profuse little bloomer is native to Central and South America and produces bright color from summer through fall in hues of orange, yellow and red. Each flower, no bigger than a quarter, has five petals in a star pattern. Butterflies and all kinds of bee-like pollinators love the signet marigolds.
It is hard to believe that a wispy little signet marigold can quickly become a robust 12-by-12-inch plant smothered with so many flowers that the foliage is hardly visible. And don’t let the lacy, fern-like foliage fool you into thinking it is delicate. Signet marigolds are tough as long as the slugs and snails are kept away.
As with traditional marigolds, signets are fairly easy to grow. They need full sun and regular watering, especially if grown in containers. Light deadheading in late summer will keep plants blooming until frost. While slugs and snails can be problematic, it is nice to know signet marigolds are virtually deer proof.
In the garden, signet marigolds combine nicely with salvia, lobelia and nepeta. Signet marigolds also add color and texture to the herb garden. They thrive in containers and planter boxes, too.
Terry Kramer is the retired site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden and a trained horticulturist and journalist. She has been writing a garden column for the Times-Standard since 1982. She currently runs a gardening consulting business. Contact her at 707-834-2661 or terrykramer90@gmail.com.