Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
Mature Plant Size: 8-10″x8-10″
French Lemon Drop Marigold is a charming, compact French marigold producing abundant single blooms in bright clear yellow with a delicate, single-flower form. More airy and cottage-like than fully double marigolds, it is excellent for edging, containers, and as a bee-attracting companion plant in vegetable gardens.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Lemon Drop transplants are grown for prolific single-flower blooming and pollinator appeal.
Moderate water needs once established
Allow top inch to dry between waterings
Avoid overhead watering to reduce botrytis
Light application of balanced organic fertilizer at planting
Minimal additional feeding needed; overfertilizing promotes foliage over flowers
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
Pinch young plants for bushier growth
Remove botrytis-affected flowers and foliage promptly
Spider mites in hot, dry conditions
Botrytis (gray mold) in humid wet conditions
Aphids on tender new growth
Among the most reliable summer annuals for Austin — thrives in heat and full sun
Excellent companion plant; repels nematodes and many garden pests
Deadhead regularly or allow to self-seed for naturalization
Excellent cut flower; harvest when blooms are half-open for longest vase life
Transplant after March 15; fast establishment in warm soil
Peak performance in summer heat; minimal care needed
Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom
Continue blooming until frost
Excellent late-season pollinator support
Remove after frost; collect seeds from open-pollinated varieties for next season
Spring: transplant March 15 – June
Fall: transplant August – September
Ideal soil temperatures: 65-85 F
Full sun
Minimum 6-8 hours daily; decline in shade
French (dwarf): 6-10 inches apart
African (tall): 12-18 inches apart
Well-draining, moderately fertile soil
Tolerates poor soils; avoid overly rich soil
pH 6.0-7.5
Water deeply after transplanting
Keep evenly moist for first week
Reduce once established
Generally considered non-toxic to:
However:
Marigold (Tagetes) can cause mild skin irritation from contact with foliage.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Calendula (pot marigold) is a different genus and generally safer; Tagetes marigolds may cause irritation.
Contact a veterinarian if significant ingestion occurs.
