Marigold Seeds, Sweet Mace

star-filled
4.1
12 Reviews
Sku:
#FL465
Min. seed count:
50
$3.00

Description

(Tagetes lucida). Enjoy this late-blooming marigold in teas and other drinks; a great flavoring for many dishes. The herb was known to Aztec, Maya, and Huichol people, who used it ceremonially and medicinally – as well as for dyes and incense. This old Hispanic heirloom variety is hard to find nowadays, but is still a great garden plant that is easy to grow and quite flavorful, often stepping in as a substitute for tarrragon.  It can get up to 30 inches tall and bears heads of golden florets in the late summer.

  • Tender perennial
  • Full sun
  • Sprouts in 5-10 days
  • 80-90 days to maturity
  • Seed Depth: 1/4"
  • Ideal Temperature: 75-80 F
  • Plant Spacing: 8-12"
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Growing Tips

 To grow Sweet Mace, it's important to provide it with full sunlight, though it can tolerate some partial shade. The plant thrives in well-draining soils, whether sandy, loamy, or slightly clayey, and it prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH. While Sweet Mace is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is necessary, especially if you want abundant blooms. However, be cautious of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot​.

When to Grow

Sweet Mace is well-suited to USDA zones 8-11, where it grows as a perennial. In these zones, it may die back in winter but will regrow in the spring. In cooler climates, it is typically grown as an annual due to its sensitivity to frost. It’s important to plant it outdoors only after the last frost has passed. If starting seeds indoors, this should be done 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date, ensuring the seedlings are ready for transplanting once outdoor conditions are favorable​.

How to Sow and Plant

For direct sowing, seeds should be planted outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. Lightly press the seeds into the soil without covering them too deeply and keep the soil consistently moist until germination. If starting indoors, sow them in a seed-starting medium and keep them moist. The seedlings should be transplanted outdoors when they are 2-4 inches tall and have been properly hardened off to acclimate to outdoor conditions.

How to Grow

Sweet Mace doesn’t require too much care once established. Regularly pinching back the growing tips can help encourage a bushier growth habit, and deadheading spent flowers will prolong the blooming period, which typically occurs in late summer to early fall. While the plant is generally trouble-free, it can be susceptible to pests such as slugs and snails, especially in the seedling stage, and fungal issues like botrytis may occur if the plant is kept too moist. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering are key to preventing these problems.

How to Save

Seeds are mature once the flower heads have fully dried and turned brown. To harvest them, cut the flower spikes and place them inside a paper bag. This allows the seeds to completely dry and drop; you may need to shake the bag gently to help loosen the seeds. Afterward, separate any chaff from the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place. 

Many people prefer propagating plants through cuttings as it is generally easier than growing from seeds. Simply take a cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water until roots develop. Then, plant it in the soil.

FAQ

Can Sweet Mace be used in cooking?
Yes, the leaves can be used fresh or dried as a substitute for tarragon in cooking. They have a sweet, anise-like flavor.

When does Sweet Mace bloom?
The plant usually blooms in late summer to early fall, producing small, fragrant yellow flowers.

Is Sweet Mace safe for pets?
As with many plants, it's best to keep pets from ingesting large amounts of Sweet Mace, as it may cause digestive upset.

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Marigold Seeds, Sweet Mace
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4.1
Customer reviews (12)

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