Microgreens
16-25days to harvest
4-7 daysdays to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty

Sowing

Surface sow 4 grams per 1020 tray, press in, blackout 4-6 days

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate; bottom-water after germination
Soil
Fine-textured soilless microgreen mix or coco coir blend
Height
8-30 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Yellow-green with lacy true leaves
Size
4 g
Shape
Feathery, finely dissected foliage on slender stems
Flavour
Spicy and herbal with light citrus undertones, similar to tarragon crossed with tangerine zest — only fully develops at the true-leaf stage.

In the kitchen

Dessert garnish, cocktail garnish, plated entrée garnish, sorbet topping, infused simple syrups, salad accent

Pests, disease & resistance

Diseases
Damping off, gray mold (Botrytis) during extended grow cycle if airflow is poor

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1January – December——January – December
2January – December——January – December
3January – December——January – December
4January – December——January – December
5January – December——January – December
6January – December——January – December
7January – December——January – December
8January – December——January – December
9January – December——January – December
10January – December——January – December
11January – December——January – December
12January – December——January – December
13January – December——January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesMarigolds repel tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and nematodes that damage tomato roots
PeppersMarigolds deter aphids, spider mites, and other pests that commonly attack pepper plants
CucumbersRepels cucumber beetles, aphids, and squash bugs while attracting beneficial predatory insects
CarrotsMarigolds help control carrot fly and other root pests through their strong scent
LettuceProvides natural pest control against aphids and slugs that damage lettuce leaves
CabbageDeters cabbage worms, flea beetles, and other brassica pests with aromatic compounds
BeansRepels Mexican bean beetles and aphids while improving overall garden biodiversity
NasturtiumsBoth attract beneficial insects and create a pest-confusing polyculture system

Avoid

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that can inhibit marigold germination and growth
Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that stunts growth and can kill marigold plants
SunflowersAllelopathic effects can reduce marigold growth and may compete heavily for nutrients

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
69
Protein (g)
1.5
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
17.6
Fibre (g)
5.3
Sugars (g)
8.55
Vitamin A (µg)
5
Vitamin C (mg)
54.1
Calcium (mg)
8
Iron (mg)
1.61
Magnesium (mg)
24
Phosphorus (mg)
47
Potassium (mg)
304
Zinc (mg)
0.31

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the microgreens growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Marigold, Gem?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other microgreens with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Marigold, Gem suits these too.

Browse all 57 microgreens