Tagetes 'Lemon Gem'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Lemon Gem' is characterized by its delicate, lacy foliage that presents an airy, feathery texture. This foliage is typically a bright, vibrant green, which provides a striking background for the charming flowers. The flowers themselves are small, single blooms with a citrusy lemon-yellow hue that sparkles in the sun, lending the plant its common name due to their color and a refreshing scent reminiscent of lemons. Petals are arranged in a typical daisy-like fashion, radiating around a central disk. The overall effect of the foliage combined with the cheerful yellow flowers gives the 'Lemon Gem' a frothy, ornamental appearance, making it a popular choice for gardeners who wish to add a splash of bright color and fine texture to their garden without reference to its physical dimensions. Additionally, this plant is noted for its pleasant aroma, which enhances its appeal when planted in large drifts or used as a border.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Lemon Gem Marigold, Lemon Gem Tagetes
Common names
Tagetes tenuifolia 'Lemon Gem'
ToxicityTo humans
Marigold is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant in large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants due to the potential for pesticide contamination and the lack of information about their edible safety.
To pets
Marigold is not known to be toxic to pets. However, similar to humans, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, possibly resulting in symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's best to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants to avoid these issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Lemon Gem marigold attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is well-known for being easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pest Repellent: The scent of Lemon Gem marigold can naturally deter some garden pests, potentially reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible, with a citrusy taste that can be used as a garnish or in salads.
- Compact Size: Its smaller size makes it an excellent choice for container gardening or as a border plant in garden beds.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The bright yellow flowers add a splash of color and vibrancy to gardens and landscapes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Marigold flowers, including those of Tagetes 'Lemon Gem', can be used to produce a yellow or orange natural dye for fabrics and foods.
- Insect repellent: Planting 'Lemon Gem' marigolds in the garden can help repel harmful insects due to their natural strong scent, without using chemical repellents.
- Companion planting: 'Lemon Gem' marigolds are often planted among vegetables to deter pests and can enhance the growth and flavor of certain crops.
- Chicken feed additive: Petals of 'Lemon Gem' marigolds can be mixed into chicken feed to deepen the color of egg yolks naturally.
- Flavoring for food: The petals of 'Lemon Gem' are edible and have a citrusy taste, making them a unique flavor addition to salads and desserts.
- Decoration for dishes: The vibrant flowers of 'Lemon Gem' make a visually appealing garnish for culinary presentations.
- Flower arrangements: 'Lemon Gem' marigolds can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements due to their bright color and long-lasting flowers.
- Biological pest control: 'Lemon Gem' marigold roots secrete substances that can suppress nematodes in the soil, benefiting nearby plants.
- Marigold tea: 'Lemon Gem' petals can be dried and used to prepare a calming herbal tea.
- Seed production: 'Lemon Gem' marigolds can be grown not just for their flowers but also for harvesting their seeds for future planting or as a product to sell.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Marigold is often associated with positive energy and is used in Feng Shui to attract happiness and cheerful vibrations. It can be placed in the southern area of a garden or room to enhance fame and social life or in any living space to invite a joyful ambiance and good luck.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Marigold is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Tagetes, commonly known as Marigold, has been associated with protective qualities, often planted to repel pests and believed to safeguard against negative energies.
- Beauty and Warmth: With its vibrant yellow and orange hues, the 'Lemon Gem' variety of Marigold symbolizes radiant beauty and the warmth of the sun, often representing positive and cheerful emotions.
- Respect and Admiration: Marigolds are often used in cultural ceremonies to show respect and admiration for the individuals being honored, as well as in events celebrating the deceased.
- Healing: Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine for their healing properties, thus symbolizing health and recovery.
WaterMarigolds, such as the 'Lemon Gem,' prefer soil that is moist but not waterlogged. To achieve this, water your 'Lemon Gem' marigolds deeply about once a week, offering about 1 inch of water each time. However, frequency may increase to twice per week during periods of extreme heat or drought. It’s important to adjust watering habits based on rainfall and check the soil moisture before watering. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In container settings, watering may be more frequent, depending on the size of the container and the environmental conditions.
Light'Lemon Gem' marigolds thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform well. Plant them in a location where they will receive plenty of light, which encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from some afternoon shade to help protect them from the most intense heat of the day.
Temperature'Lemon Gem' marigolds prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to frost. They can survive in temperature ranges from approximately 35 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but they thrive best when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to plant them outdoors only after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, and they should be protected or harvested before the first fall frost.
PruningPruning 'Lemon Gem' marigolds encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead the spent blooms regularly to prolong the blooming period and improve the plant's appearance. Pinching back the tips of young plants can help to create fuller plants. Pruning is best done in the morning when the plants are dry and should be performed as needed throughout the growing season to remove dead or fading flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMarigold 'Lemon Gem' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of equal parts loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand can create a good growing medium. Regular organic matter additions help maintain fertility.
RepottingMarigold 'Lemon Gem' generally does not require repotting as it is an annual plant. It completes its life cycle in one growing season and can be sown annually in fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingMarigold 'Lemon Gem' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions typically found in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot and water sparingly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space 8-10 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Marigold 'Lemon Gem' begins with seed germination, occurring when soil temperatures reach between 70-75°F and with plenty of sunlight. Upon sprouting, seedlings develop into young plants with a distinctive set of fern-like leaves before forming tight bushy mounds. As the plant matures, it produces abundant small, lemon-yellow flowers typically from early summer well into the fall. The Marigold 'Lemon Gem' will bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season, especially if spent flowers are deadheaded. As temperatures drop towards the end of the growing season, the plant will cease flowering and start to die back, having completed its annual life cycle. If seeds are collected or dropped to the ground, they may lay dormant until the next spring when conditions are suitable for germination, continuing the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Tagetes 'Lemon Gem', commonly known as Lemon Gem Marigold, the most popular method of propagation is through seeds. Marigolds are typically easy to grow from seeds, and the best time to sow Lemon Gem Marigold seeds is after the last frost date in spring, ensuring that the soil has warmed. Start by scattering the seeds over prepared soil that is well-draining and in a location that receives full sun. Cover the seeds lightly with about 1/4 inch (around 6 millimeters) of soil, as marigold seeds need light to germinate effectively. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 5 to 7 days given the proper warm conditions. Once seedlings are strong enough and there is no chance of frost, they can be transplanted into the garden, spacing them about 8 inches (20 centimeters) apart to accommodate for growth.
