Marigold Seeds 'Mexican'

• Serrated leaves with a tropical fruit flavour
• Leaves can be used in teas or chopped up in salads
• Roots said to secrete weed-suppressing chemicals
• Annual herb

Mexican marigold has aromatic serrated leaves with an attractive tropical fruit flavour which can be used in infusions or chopped and added to salads. The roots of this unusual herb are also said to secrete chemicals that help to suppress many perennial weeds such as bindweed and ground elder.

Sow indoors

Sow on the surface of pre-watered seed compost, in pots or trays, and lightly cover with a little more soil. Keep in the light at around 20-25°C (68-75F) and allow 1-2 weeks for germination. Remove lid or bag and keep in cooler, brighter conditions after germination.

Grow on

Keep seedlings in a light position but shade from direct sunlight. When large enough to handle, transplant into trays of potting compost.

Plant out

Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions before planting out in a sunny spot, 25cm (10in) apart when the risk of frost has passed. Water well until established. Alternatively, plant or sow directly into a container if being grown to pick young leaves.

Sow outdoors

Sow into well-prepared soil and lightly cover. Water the soil as needed. Thin out as they grow to around 25cm (10in) apart.

Advice

For edible use, pick leaves when young. For outdoor planting as a weed suppressant, plants are best established first before planting out. CAUTION: may cause skin irritation.