Marigold, aka Tagetes Erecta, is an annual member of the Aster family, Asteraceae. Despite its name, it originates in Southern North America and Mexico, but has been spread across the world due to it's popularity. They're prized for their ornamental and culinary uses. Althogh it isn't as tasty and aromatic as Tagetes Patula, all arial parts of the plant are edible; the young leaves are used to flavour salads and soups, and the pedals are used in salads, deserts, drinks, or as a showy garnish. Marigold attracts all sorts of pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any flower garden. They also deter nematodes, white flies, and slugs, so it's helpful to plant them around or near your most vulnerable crops. Growing instructions: Marigold seeds may be started in pots in the spring, or directly sown into the ground. Most available seed starting soils should do the job nicely; we use sunshine mix (peat moss and perlite). The soil should be made moist, but not damp. Sow the seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Store in a warm area until tiny sprouts emerge from the soil. Once germinated, and the first true leaf has formed, it's time to pot up to a larger container that contains a good quality potting soil. Transplant to their final location when the nighttime temperatures are consistently 6C or higher. The plants don’t require very much attention once established other than a good mulching, and a bi-weekly watering.