Irish Lace Marigold, Dropshot
Short Description
This multitasking annual herb is ready to flavor drinks, tea, salads and seafood. An excellent tarragon substitute.
Full Description
Product properties
Sun The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.
Full Sun, Part Sun
Days To Maturity The average number of days from when the plant is actively growing in the garden to the expected time of harvest.
60-90 days
Life Cycle This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.
Annual
Height The typical height of this product at maturity.
12-14 inches
Spread The width of the plant at maturity.
12-14 inches
Additional Uses Additional ways in which the product may be used in the garden.
Container Plant
Plant Shipping Information
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Sweet marigold may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden, or planted as a potted plant.
Sowing Seed Indoors:
- Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring
- Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed starting formula
- Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees
- Seedlings emerge in 12-14 days.
- As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
- Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.
- If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 3 pairs of leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.
- Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.
Sowing Directly in the Garden:
- Direct sow in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost.
- Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
- Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
- Firm the soil lightly and keep evenly moist.
- Seedlings will emerge in 12-14 days.
- Thin to 8-12 inches apart when seedlings have two to three sets of leaves.
Planting in the Garden:
- Set hardened off transplants into the garden in full sun in semi-well-draining soil AFTER the all danger of frost is passed date.
- Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
- Plant 8-12 inches apart.
- Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root development.
- Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.
How to Grow
- Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
- Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For herbs, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
- Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Harvest and Preserving Tips
- Sweet marigold, also called Mexican mint or Spanish tarragon, is used as a tarragon substitute in warmer climates where tarragon does not grow well. Use fresh or dried leaves in cooking chicken, seafood and hearty vegetable dishes.
- Harvest leaves and flowers as needed throughout the season. Harvest leaves just before flowering, harvest flowers for potpourri.
- To dry leaves, tie the stems together and hang upside down in a dark, airy room. It can help to secure a paper bag over the lower part of the plants with a rubber band to prevent loss of leaves and protect them from the sun. Poke small holes in the bag for air circulation. Check after four or five days. Or, use a dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions. When thoroughly dry, store leaves and flowers in a tightly sealed glass jar in a dry, dark location, such as a cupboard.
- If storing seeds, store in tightly closed containers.