216 · Marigold Kilimanjaro White

About this plant

The white marigold — 2-inch fully double creamy-white blooms on 18–24 inch plants. A white marigold took 21 years to breed, and it still reads as unusual on a table where every other marigold is orange or gold. Heat-tolerant and pest-resistant, and the petals are edible with a slightly bitter citrus note.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Where

Borders, beds, cutting garden

Spacing

8–12"

Size

18–24"

Support

Bush / compact — little or no support

Care

Sun

Full sun — packet: minimum 8–12 hrs

Water

Moderate; fairly drought tolerant once established

Feed

A light flower fertilizer every 3–4 weeks while blooming (general guide).

Deadhead

Cut off spent flowers to keep new blooms coming.

Good to know

Caution

Petals only are edible. Do not eat leaves or stems.

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Life cycle

Annual

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Pollinators

Moderate

Days to bloom

65–75 days from transplant

Heat (our summer)

High

Cold

Tender (frost-sensitive)

Color

Creamy white

Edible

Petals only, strong flavor; use sparingly (NY Botanical Garden).