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Asteraceae
Ornamental flowers seeds
Starfire Mix signet marigold (Tagetes signata)
Product code : 61-4480-010
Starfire Mix is a bushy signet marigold carrying many small flowers in distinct colours above fine, fragrant green foliage. The packet contains approximately 90 bare seeds. Plants grow 30 to 40 cm tall and 25 to 30 cm wide. They suit flower beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets in full sun or bright partial shade. Sow indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost at approximately 22°C. The current page lists germination in 10 to 14 days. After hardening, space plants 25 to 30 cm apart in well-drained soil. Water regularly without saturation and remove faded flowers for a tidy display from June through September.
- Quantity
- Approximately 90 bare seeds per packet
- Exposure
- Full sun or bright partial shade; at least half a day of sunlight
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameStarfire Mix signet marigold
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusTagetes
Speciessignata
CultivarStarfire Mix
TypeBare seeds
Botanical nameTagetes signata
Reproducible seedsYes
Starfire Mix signet marigold (Tagetes signata) This annual forms a bushy plant covered with small flowers in distinct colours. Fine, fragrant green foliage adds a light texture among the blooms and creates a colourful bed without a heavy silhouette. W.H. Perron lists a height of 30 to 40 cm and a spread of 25 to 30 cm. The mixture suits full sun or partial shade when it receives at least half a day of sunlight. Its flexible habit fits small gardens easily and remains open enough for air to move through the foliage after rain or morning watering.
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-4480-010, contains approximately 90 bare seeds. Sow indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Cover lightly with coarse vermiculite and maintain approximately 22°C. The current commercial page lists germination in 10 to 14 days, while the older technical sheet lists 5 to 8 days. Keep moisture high until radicles appear, then reduce it without allowing seedlings to wilt. After emergence, provide abundant light, rotate trays regularly, and ventilate young plants so stems remain short and sturdy before outdoor hardening begins.
Harden plants gradually, then transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost, spacing them 25 to 30 cm apart. Water immediately after planting and keep the crown level with the surrounding soil. Starfire Mix suits flower beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Water regularly without saturating the soil and remove faded flowers to keep the display tidy. W.H. Perron presents the flowers as edible; use only a few correctly identified petals from plants grown without products unsuitable for food crops. The foliage may irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when needed and prevent pets from chewing the plant. Wash hands after handling.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Cover lightly with coarse vermiculite
Spacing / density
25 to 30 cm between plants
Germination temperature
Approximately 22°C
Germination time
10 to 14 days according to the current commercial page; the older technical sheet lists 5 to 8 days
Sowing period
Indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after all frost danger
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow Starfire Mix indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Cover seeds lightly with coarse vermiculite and maintain approximately 22°C. The current commercial page lists germination in 10 to 14 days, while the older W.H. Perron technical sheet lists 5 to 8 days. Keep moisture high until radicles appear without waterlogging the medium, then reduce it slightly without allowing seedlings to wilt. Harden plants for approximately one week by gradually increasing exposure to sun and wind. Transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost in sun or bright partial shade, spacing plants 25 to 30 cm apart. Keep the crown level with the soil and water immediately. Direct sowing is also possible after all frost danger has passed in warmed soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until plants establish, then water according to actual conditions. Avoid standing water, dense shade, and excessive nitrogen feeding throughout the main growing season. Remove faded flower heads above a healthy branch and check moisture more often in containers. If stems stretch and flowering declines, move pots gradually toward brighter conditions. Shelter containers temporarily before a forecast frost because Starfire Mix is grown as a cold-sensitive annual.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Light, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil
Minimum temperature
Frost tender during annual production
Care level
Easy
Watering
Keep the seed-starting mix evenly moist during germination without waterlogging it. After transplanting, water regularly until roots establish. Thereafter, check the soil and water at the base when the surface begins to dry. The plant tolerates heat, but containers may need more frequent watering during hot or windy weather. Avoid standing water and empty saucers after thorough watering. Morning irrigation allows splashed foliage to dry more quickly and makes moisture easier to monitor during the day.
Soil type
Fertile, loose, well-drained soil. In containers, use quality potting mix in a pot with drainage holes. Avoid constantly waterlogged soil, which limits oxygen around the roots. A layer of mature compost can support growth in poor soil without requiring excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Loosen the site before planting to break up clods and encourage even rooting. If water drains slowly after rain, choose a raised bed or container instead of relying only on added sand. Keep the crown level with the soil and leave a small open space around the stem base. A thin mulch reduces soil splash, but a deep layer may hold too much moisture against the stems.
Fertilization
Light, regular feeding is generally sufficient for Starfire Mix. In soil amended with mature compost, wait for growth to indicate a need before adding fertilizer. In containers, use a balanced flowering-plant product at the label rate, usually at low concentration. Excess nitrogen produces abundant foliage and may reduce flowering. Water before feeding very dry potting mix, and avoid direct product contact with stems or leaves. Stop feeding if growth becomes soft, unusually dark, or excessively stretched. Always follow the fertilizer label and adjust frequency to plant response and weather.
Moisture
Consistent without saturation
Seasonal care
In spring, start seeds indoors 4–5 weeks before the last frost. Maintain approximately 22°C, even moisture, and bright light after emergence. Harden young plants for about one week before planting in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 15–20 cm apart and water immediately after transplanting. In early summer, check that roots are establishing and water when the soil surface begins to dry. Remove faded flowers above a healthy leaf to keep plants tidy and make new buds easier to see. During hot periods, check containers more often because their growing mix dries quickly. Avoid standing water and repeated overhead irrigation. Inspect leaf undersides regularly and remove damaged material with clean tools. Light feeding is sufficient; excessive nitrogen can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers. In late summer, continue watering according to actual moisture needs rather than a fixed schedule. After the first substantial frost, remove finished annual plants and diseased debris. Clean reusable pots and record sowing dates, flowering performance, and successful combinations to improve next season’s planting. Store any remaining packet closed, labelled, cool, and dry, safely away from children and pets. Keep a simple record of sowing date, germination, transplanting, and first bloom so future timing can be adjusted to local spring weather. Photograph the planting at peak colour to compare spacing and companion combinations next season.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
Starfire Mix performs very well in containers because of its compact 25–30 cm habit. Choose a pot with drainage holes at least 20–25 cm wide for one plant and fill it with light, well-drained potting mix. Place it in full sun. Water when the surface begins to dry and remove faded flowers to keep the plant tidy. In a window box, space plants 15–20 cm apart to preserve their bushy shape and good air movement. A light-coloured container helps limit root-zone heating on a very sunny patio. Water slowly until excess drains, then let the mix lose some moisture before watering again. Avoid decorative cachepots that trap water. Light feeding according to the potting-mix directions is usually sufficient; excessive nitrogen promotes foliage instead of flowers. Rotate the pot weekly when light comes mainly from one direction. Remove damaged leaves and faded flowers with clean tools. Move containers to shelter before frost because this annual does not tolerate prolonged cold. Check that drainage holes remain open, raise the container slightly when water accumulates underneath, and inspect roots only when repotting becomes necessary. A stable pot prevents wind from overturning the plant while keeping the flower display easy to view.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
11.8 to 15.7 in. (30 to 40 cm)
Width / spread
25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)
Flower color
Mixture of distinct colours
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Fine, fragrant green foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Bushy, light, and well branched
Fragrance
Fine, fragrant foliage
Bloom period
Flowers from June through September with many small blooms in distinct colours. The mixture creates a varied effect above bushy, fine foliage. Remove faded flower heads above a healthy branch to keep plants tidy and make new buds easier to see. Bright conditions and regular watering without saturation support steady summer flowering. Good air movement helps the fine foliage dry after rain and reduces the time that moisture remains around stems.
Fruiting
The flowers are presented as edible by WH Perron; use only a few properly identified petals from plants grown without treatments unsuitable for food. WH Perron also identifies Starfire Mix as a honey plant and presents its flowers as edible when properly grown and identified. In early summer, check that the roots are well established and water when the soil surface begins to dry.
Days to maturity
9 to 11 weeks
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Starfire Mix with white sweet alyssum, blue ageratum, violet petunias, or compact ornamental grasses to highlight its golden-yellow and red flowers. Choose companions that also prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and follow the spacing recommended for each species. In a large pot, place Starfire Mix near the edge and reserve the centre for a slightly taller plant. Avoid very vigorous companions that could shade it or dry the mix too quickly. Repeating three to five plants creates a more uniform effect than an overcrowded mixture. Observe the combination during the season and trim only plants that invade its space. These pairings are suggested for compatible growing needs and visual harmony, not as a claim of pest prevention.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Edible parts
Correctly identified flower petals grown without treatments unsuitable for food crops; packet seeds are not intended for eating
Use only a few correctly identified Tagetes signata petals grown without treatments unsuitable for food crops. Remove the white base, which is often bitter, then add fresh petals to a salad, garnish, or cold plate. Taste only a minimal amount at first and stop if irritation occurs. Never eat packet seeds. Harvest petals in the morning when they are fresh and dry, then inspect them carefully. Rinse gently with potable water and pat dry before use. Serve promptly in a cold preparation to preserve colour. Do not collect flowers beside a road, in a public space, or from a plant whose treatments are precisely known. Avoid serving this garnish to anyone with an Asteraceae allergy without professional advice. Keep harvested flowers separate from seed packets and horticultural products. Discard every wilted, damaged, or uncertain petal. Culinary use is optional; Starfire Mix can be grown solely for ornamental value in containers and garden beds.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What is in a Starfire Mix packet?
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-4480-010, contains approximately 90 bare Tagetes signata Starfire Mix seeds. Bare seed is neither coated nor pelleted. The mixture is not presented as organic or as an F1 hybrid. Garden-collected seed may nevertheless produce a different colour distribution, especially when other compatible marigolds flower nearby. Store the packet closed, labelled, cool, and dry, beyond the reach of children and pets. Keep the label with seedlings to track the cultivar, product code, and sowing date. Packet seeds are not intended for eating. Record the number of emerged plants so future sowings can be adjusted without waste. Protect any remaining seed from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep the label with seedlings to track the cultivar and sowing date.
How should Starfire Mix be sown successfully?
Sow indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Cover lightly with coarse vermiculite and maintain approximately 22°C. The current page lists germination in 10 to 14 days compared with 5 to 8 days in the older W.H. Perron technical sheet. Keep the medium moist until radicles appear without saturating it, then reduce moisture without allowing seedlings to wilt. After emergence, provide abundant light. Harden plants gradually, then transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost, spacing them 25 to 30 cm apart. Water immediately after planting and keep the crown level with the surrounding soil.
What size and flowers can be expected?
Starfire Mix forms a bushy annual plant 30 to 40 cm tall and 25 to 30 cm wide. Green foliage is fine and fragrant. Many small flowers in distinct colours create a light mixed effect from June through September. W.H. Perron recommends sun or partial shade with at least half a day of sunlight. Spacing plants 25 to 30 cm apart gives each one room to develop. Remove faded flowers for a tidy appearance and to make new buds easier to see. Water at soil level to reduce splash on the fine foliage and make actual soil moisture easier to judge.
Can Starfire Mix be grown in a container?
Yes. Its bushy 30-to-40-cm habit suits pots, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Choose a container with drainage holes at least 30 cm wide, use quality well-drained potting mix, and place it in sun or bright partial shade. Check moisture before watering and empty saucers after heavy rain. Light feeding is generally sufficient. Remove faded flowers and rotate the pot occasionally for balanced light. Before a forecast frost, shelter the container temporarily because Starfire is a cold-sensitive annual. Check that drainage holes remain open and raise the pot slightly if water collects beneath its base. After heavy rain, allow foliage to dry naturally before watering again. A stable container prevents wind from overturning the bushy plant.
Are the flowers edible and is the plant safe?
W.H. Perron presents Starfire Mix as an edible flower. Use only a few correctly identified petals from plants grown without treatments unsuitable for food crops, and never eat packet seeds. Contact with marigold foliage may irritate sensitive skin, particularly in sunlight, and swallowing plant material may upset an animal. Wear gloves when needed, wash the affected area, and prevent pets from chewing the plant. Anyone with an Asteraceae allergy or a concerning exposure should seek professional advice and provide the botanical name. Harvest petals only when they are fresh, dry, and undamaged. Rinse gently with potable water and use them promptly in a cold preparation. Discard every uncertain flower or any bloom from a site whose treatments are not precisely known.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
W.H. Perron identifies Starfire Mix as a melliferous plant. Its small flowers may therefore attract bees when nectar and pollen are available. Group several plants and avoid insecticides on open flowers. Activity varies with weather, region, flowering stage, and other nearby blooms throughout the garden season.
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