Signet Marigold 'Tangerine Gem'

'Tangerine Gem' is a far cry from the chunky, large-headed African marigolds. It forms a neat, mounded cushion of very finely divided, fern-like foliage that is strongly lemon-scented. This foliage is smothered in hundreds of tiny, single, brilliant orange flowers throughout the summer. In the UK, it is a superstar of the kitchen garden, as its flowers are completely edible and make a beautiful addition to salads. It is also an excellent companion plant, reputed to deter pests. Growing to about 25-30cm, it is ideal for edging paths or as a "filler" in containers. It is a half-hardy annual (H2), so it should be sown indoors in spring and planted out only after the last frosts. It is remarkably drought-tolerant and requires very little maintenance, though deadheading will keep the mound looking tidy and blooming for longer. It thrives in even relatively poor soil as long as it has plenty of sun.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.