What Do They Taste Like?
Marigolds have a peppery, citrusy flavor. Think of something like arugula but with a bit of anise.
Calendula has more bitterness, while signet marigolds are generally thought of as having the best flavor. It’s a bit sweeter, with stronger citrus notes and less bitterness.
Species and Cultivars to Select
You can’t go wrong with just about any marigold and the choice is up to you, depending on the flavor, texture, or size of the ingredient you need.
The species and cultivars described below have particularly tasty flowers or leaves, so they’re worth a try.
Dropshot
‘Dropshot’ is an Irish lace marigold (T. filifolia). This is a lesser-known species and you won’t usually find it in gardens because it lacks the showy flowers that we love in other species. But it stands out as an edible herb.
The leaves have a citrus-anise flavor that makes a good addition to a variety of recipes. As microgreens, they’re without equal.
You won’t have that pretty floral display, but I think the leaves are quite lovely all on their own. Plant them with showier flowers as an accent if you miss the display.
‘Dropshot’
Grab a single plant or a pack of 100 seeds, available from Burpee.
Lemon and Tangerine Gem
T. tenuifolia ‘Lemon’ and ‘Tangerine’ Gem are the gold standards for edible marigolds.
The petals are flavorful without being bitter, and they have a citrus flavor with a hint of anise. Some say the orange flowers of the ‘Tangerine’ cultivar have a more pronounced orange flavor.
T. tenuifolia Lemon and Tangerine Gems
If you want to dip your toes into the marigold water, this is the type to start with.
Pick up a packet of seeds from Botanical Interests to start growing these yellow and orange beauties in your garden.
Mexican Tarragon
Also known as licorice or Mexican mint, this heirloom is aptly named regardless of the common moniker you choose to go with because it has a particularly pronounced herbal, anise-like flavor.
The flowers are petite and yellow, so this probably isn’t the best option if your major concern is to find a flower that makes a bold statement in the garden as well as the kitchen, but their subtle loveliness makes a wonderful addition to herb and container gardens.
Mexican Tarragon
Snatch up packets of about 200 seeds to add to your garden from Botanical Interests.
Pink Surprise
While many C. officinalis cultivars are valued more in the kitchen for their coloring abilities rather than their flavor, there are still many tasty options.
‘Pink Surprise’ is not only beautiful, but the flavor is pleasantly mild, especially if you snip off the white heels from the petals.
‘Pink Surprise’
Pick up a small packet, or an ounce, quarter-pound or one-pound package of seeds at Eden Brothers.
Queen Sophia
This French type is good for growing as food because it has large petals that make harvesting and using them easier. The flavor is as good as any French option, but it’s particularly beautiful.
‘Queen Sophia’
The flowers are stunning – double orange-red blooms outlined in gold.
Our friends at Eden Brothers carry ‘Queen Sophia’ in small packets, one-ounce, or quarter-pound packages.
Edible Parts and Harvesting Tips
The leaves and petals are all entirely edible, so feel free to dig in.