The small, single flowers literally cover the plants in summer. Flower colors range from yellow to orange. They are also edible. The flowers of signet marigolds have a spicy tarragon flavor. The foliage has a pleasant lemon fragrance.
Signet marigolds are excellent plants for edging beds and in window boxes.
The varieties Golden Gem and Lemon Gem do well in Iowa. There are basically three planting options available to home gardeners when planting marigolds. Marigold seed can be sown directly outdoors when the danger of frost is past or started indoors 6 weeks prior to the last frost date. Marigolds are also available as bedding plants at garden centers. Planting site requirements for marigolds are full sun and a well-drained soil.