When you say the term "marigold", most people think of the annual flowers found in most flower gardens. Gardeners love them because they continually bloom and repel a plethora of insects. However, most people do not know that marigolds are edible.
Marigolds have been used for thousands of years for food, medicine, religious rites, ornamentally, and as a dye. Marigolds have been described as tasting slightly citrusy, spicy, and floral. The delicate floral accents also have minty/slightly spicy undertones along with a zesty tangerine flavor.
Marigold microgreens are not usually added to salads or cooked recipes; however, they are enjoyed in a variety of mixed drinks and desserts. Micro marigolds add an extra punch of flavor to take your desserts and drinks to the next level.
The following chart will provide you with information on marigold microgreens. This easy to read chart allows you to quickly ascertain the average germination and harvest times, how difficult micro marigolds are to grow, and much more.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Citrus flavor with mild minty undertones. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | No presoaking is required |
| Color | Marigold microgreens have light pink stems and green serrated leaves. |
| Germination Time | On average, it takes 2 to 4 days for your marigold seeds to properly germinate. |
| Harvest Time | Your marigold microgreens will be ready for harvest in approximately 8 to 14 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | Marigold microgreens are extremely easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginner microgreen growers. |
Marigold microgreens are extremely fast growing and are a great choice for new microgreen gardeners. Unlike other types of microgreens, most people enjoy marigold micros in desserts and mixed drinks.
Whether you are new to microgreen gardening or have been growing microgreens for a long time, you may have questions about marigold microgreens. Here are the answers to the most common frequently asked questions.
No. Like other types of microgreens marigold microgreens will not regrow; therefore, after harvest, compost the roots and growing medium. Then, replant with fresh growing medium.
Marigold microgreens are fast growing microgreens. You can expect to harvest in about a week and a half to two weeks.
Marigold microgreens are best served raw and used as a delicious edible garnish for your favorite desserts and mixed drinks.
Marigold microgreens have hints of tangerine with a delightful minty, yet spicy undertone.
The equipment that you need to grow marigold microgreens is easy to find, and quite inexpensive. On average, you can expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars to purchase all of the necessary equipment. Many individuals will already own some of the marigold microgreen equipment.
A starter kit like the Deluxe Starter Kit by True Leaf Market will supply you with the basic equipment needed to get started. You may also wish to purchase the optional equipment listed below to help ensure a successful crop.
If you decide you would rather purchase individual items for your microgreen gardening adventures, here is a list of the things you will need to purchase.
Marigold microgreens are so easy to grow, they can be grown in almost any growing medium or soil; however, we recommend using a soilless growing medium like coconut coir.
Coconut Coir
Coconut Coir is a pH neutral soilless growing medium made from the husks of coconuts. Coconut coir holds a ton of water without causing waterborne diseases like root rot or powdery mildew. Finally, coconut coir is fine grained, making it a great choice for delicate marigold microgreens.
Seed Starting Medium
Seed starting medium is a fine grained soilless formula that contains extra nutrients to boost delicate seedlings. Because microgreens are harvested so early, these extra nutrients are unnecessary, which is why we prefer coconut coir.
You will need a total of three trays for your marigold microgreens. You will use two trays on the bottom and one tray on the top. You will need one tray with drainage holes and two trays without drainage holes. We recommend using a 10 by 20 inch growing tray for microgreens; however, there are other sizes available, including 10 inch square trays.
Tray with Drainage Holes
You will need one tray with drainage holes for each batch of marigold microgreens. This tray will allow you to water from the bottom up. Furthermore, the drainage holes let any excess water drain into the bottom tray without drainage holes to decrease the risk of waterborne disease.
Tray without Drainage Holes
You will need two trays without drainage holes. One will hold the tray with drainage holes, allowing for bottom watering. The other will be used as a blackout and humidity dome during the germination process.
A misting bottle is used to gently water your marigold microgreens without disturbing the delicate roots. The fine mist also allows for an even distribution of moisture across the entire surface of the growing tray.
An LED grow light will provide your marigold microgreens with the light they need to grow properly. When your microgreens are exposed to a full spectrum grow light, the microgreens begin producing chlorophyll which gives the microgreens their beautiful green color.
A grow light will help ensure that your microgreens will grow consistent, healthy, etc.
A heating mat allows you to set the temperature to maintain optimal soil temps to ensure maximum marigold microgreens germination.
A planter's rack allows you to utilize the vertical space in your home to hold several trays of microgreens.
Circulation fans are used to maximize airflow to reduce the risk of root rot, powdery mildew, and other soilborne diseases.
Marigold microgreen seeds are tiny seeds with a high germination rate. True Leaf Market carries the best microgreen seeds on the market. Here is our top choice for marigold microgreens.
Mountain Valley Seed Company's Minuta marigold microgreen seeds are non-GMO microgreen seeds that are designed to grow quickly. In fact, they will be ready for harvest in a little over a week. The delicate light pink stems and serrated leaves are the perfect garnish on your dishes.
Growing marigolds are super easy when you follow our step by step guide. We will give you explicit instructions on each step of the process from preparing your growing trays to harvesting and storing your marigold microgreens.
The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies, which includes your grow trays, growing medium, and misting bottle. Place the growing medium inside your grow tray with drainage holes.
Grab a piece of cardboard and press down on the growing medium to tamp down the soil. Add more soil until the soil level is just below the top of the growing tray.
Then, moisten the soil thoroughly by using your misting bottle or placing the tray in a couple of inches of water in a sink.
If using a misting bottle, spray the soil until thoroughly saturated then the soil to absorb the moisture for 15 minutes. You will want to repeat the spraying and waiting process four more times to ensure the soil is saturated throughout.
If you decide to place your grow tray in a sink of water, place the tray inside the sink and allow it to soak up the water for approximately 30 minutes. Then, drain the water and allow any excess water to drain for at least 10 minutes.
Next, place the grow tray with drainage holes inside one of the grow trays without drainage holes. This setup will allow you to water from the bottom throughout the growing process. It is now time to move on to planting your marigold microgreen seeds.
Marigold microgreen seeds are very small. In fact, each one ounce seed packet contains around 6,000 seeds. You will be able to sow approximately 7 flats of marigold microgreens for every one ounce of seeds.
Because of the small size of seeds, we recommend using a spice shaker for sowing your seeds. This technique will ensure even distribution across the entire surface of your microgreen tray. Sprinkle a small amount of soil across the top of the soil and gently pat down with your hands.
Finally, grab your misting bottle and spray across the entire surface of your grow tray. Typically, this will only take three or four sprays to slightly dampen the top layer of soil.
When seeds are planted in the ground, they are subject to darkness, weight, and pressure. When planting marigold microgreens, you will mimic being planted in the ground with the third growing tray and a heavy rock, book, or weight.
Now that you have planted your seeds, grab the remaining growing tray without holes and invert it atop your seeds. Placing this tray atop your seeds will mimic the darkness experienced when seeds are planted deep within the earth.
Next, you will need to mimic the weight and pressure that occurs when seeds are planted in the ground. You will accomplish this by placing a heavy rock, book, or weight on top of the inverted tray.
Many new microgreen growers are concerned when they are told to put a weight atop their microgreen seeds. Don't worry, this process won't hurt your seedlings. In fact, this method helps ensure your roots grow downward and your seedlings are healthy and strong.
Nex, you will want to place your grow tray atop a heating mat. The optimal soil temperature for germination is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat mat will keep your soil at the optimal temperature and will remain on throughout the entire germination process.
On average, your marigold microgreen seeds will germinate within just a couple of days. Beginning on day 2, check your seeds daily until 90 percent of your seeds have germinated.
While checking for optimal germination, check the moisture level of your soil. It should be slightly moist but not sopping. If the soil feels dry, add a small amount of water to the bottom tray and allow the soil to soak up the water for 30 minutes. Then, remove the bottom tray and pour off any remaining water. Then, replace the bottom tray and place the growing tray on the heating mat.
Once your marigold microgreens have germinated, it is time to turn off the heating mat and remove the top grow tray. When you first remove the inverted tray, your microgreens will be pale yellowish white. This is normal. Once you place your marigold microgreens under the grow lights, they will quickly turn a beautiful green.
To ensure proper development and activate the process of photosynthesis, your micro marigolds should be placed approximately 12 inches from your grow lights. If you have used the growing rack, you will have the perfect place to suspend your grow lights above your marigold microgreens.
Your grow lights should remain on between 12 and 16 hours each day. This will allow your microgreens to be in the dark for at least 8 hours per day.
Circulation fans are used to increase the airflow around your marigold microgreens. Because microgreens are sown so heavily, proper airflow prevents the growth of mold and powdery mildew.
You will place your circulation fans on the side of your growing rack. The fans must be positioned so they blow across the tops of your marigold microgreens. Avoid allowing the air to blow across the soil surface as this will cause your soil to prematurely dry out.
On average, your marigold microgreens will be ready for harvest approximately 8 to 14 days after you remove the germination dome. Once the first set of true leaves has formed, it will be time to harvest. Waiting until then will ensure your micro marigolds have reached their peak flavor.
Because each tray of marigold microgreens develops differently, you will need to taste the marigold microgreens daily as the flavor can quickly change. Once the marigold microgreens have reached the height of perfection, it's time to harvest your microgreens.
To help improve the storage time and ensure your micro marigolds stay crisp withhold watering for 12 hours before you harvest them.
In order to keep your marigold microgreens crisp and maximize freshness, you must work quickly. You must also take care to avoid crushing the delicate stems of your microgreens as this can impact both the lifespan and flavor of your microgreens.
Grab a sharp knife or pair of scissors and a couple of clean, dry paper towels. Place the paper towels in a single layer on your countertop. Then, cut your microgreens about an eighth of an inch above the soil level. Place your cut microgreens in a single layer on your paper towels.
Once you have harvested the entire tray of marigold microgreens, you are ready to either immediately enjoy them or package them for refrigeration. If you will be storing your microgreens, avoid getting them wet as any dampness will shorten their life expectancy.
Marigold microgreens can be stored in an airtight storage bag or storage container. Gently place your freshly harvest marigold microgreens in a paper towel and then place them in your storage container. The paper towel will absorb any moisture and keep them fresher for a longer period of time.
Refrigerate immediately. For best results, place the micro marigolds in your vegetable crisper. The optimal storage temperature for your marigold microgreens is between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When properly stored, your microgreens will remain fresh for about two weeks.
Marigold microgreens are a delightful addition to your desserts and mixed drinks. With their citrus hints and minty undertones, these marigolds are the perfect garnish for any chocolate dessert.
