Marigold Legion D'Onore

Marigold Legion D'Onore is a classic French-type heirloom that’s been brightening gardens for over 150 years — and for good reason. This early-flowering, compact variety is smothered in mahogany-orange and yellow single blooms all season. It’s reliable, low-maintenance (hardly needs deadheading), and brilliant for pollinators and other helpful insects. The edible petals have a light citrus tang that works beautifully in salads, seafood dishes, or even baked into cakes and biscuits.

🌸 Flowering: June to October

📏 Height: 20-25cm

🌿Annual

SOW
From March to April, sow seeds in trays with seed compost. Cover lightly with perlite, vermiculite, or a thin layer of compost. Seal the tray in a plastic bag to keep the moisture in, and keep it warm at about 18–20°C. Germination usually takes 1–2 weeks. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, pot them up into modules.

GROW
When they’re about 10cm tall, harden off and plant out around 15cm apart. Keep them in a sunny spot. To keep the blooms coming, deadhead regularly—just pinch off the old flowers before they go to seed.

ENJOY
Cheerful colour that lasts for months — use as an edging to brighten up your plot. Loved by beneficial insects. Try growing them in your greenhouse to help protect tomatoes, or near your brassicas to keep pests at bay. Add the edible, citrus-scented petals to salads, seafood, or sweet bakes.