Starfire Mix, Marigold Seed

0.25g seed packet
 
A unique marigold with an abundance of small flowers, Starfire Mix blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow, with elegant, fragrant foliage. A great border flower growing to 60cm (24”), these also make for a nice cut flower and edible flower garnish.
Annual.
 
Marigolds are somewhat prone to damping off. As a precaution, just cover the small seeds with vermiculite, water from below, and provide ventilation in the room. Space plants in the garden 30-45cm (12-18″) apart. Dwarf varieties can be spaced 15cm (6″) apart.
 
Growing
Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching. This prevents tall, spindly plants. Dead head regularly throughout the growing season.
 
Companion Planting
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) produce chemicals that kill soil nematodes and repel whitefly. Tomatoes especially benefit being companion planted with marigolds as there is a harmful nematode in our northern climate that attack tomato roots, that marigolds will repel. Avoid planting them near beans.