Strawberry Blonde

Family: Asteraceae Flower

Strawberry Blonde blooms like a sunrise caught in velvet—warm apricot and blush-pink petals edged with a soft, strawberry-red glow that deepens toward the center.

The flowers are compact and richly layered, with a tidy, bushy habit that keeps color steady from early summer through the first cool days. Grow Strawberry Blonde for its showy, long-lasting ornamental display and its companion-plant charm in the garden border and mixed beds.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Strawberry Blonde

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Edible petals only—this kind of marigold bloom reads more like fragrant citrus and strawberry perfume than a heavy spice, so use it as a last-minute finish so the delicate bitterness doesn’t get harsh. You’ll taste it most clearly when cold or lightly dressed, not cooked into long reductions.

Best Uses

fresh-plated garnish that hits with color and aroma
finishing petals in salads for a light tang
steeping into simple syrups or honey infusions for floral-sherbet vibes
ice-cold drinks where the flavor stays delicate

Flavor Profile

softly sweet strawberry-like perfume gentle citrusy bitterness velvety petal texture with a faint grassy snap

Kitchen Pairings

lemon zest dark chocolate vanilla goat cheese champagne vinegar honey

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease on Tagetes patula (marigold) and how do I fix it?

Watch for aphids and spider mites, especially in warm, dry weather; they cluster on new growth and leave yellow stippling or sticky residue. Spray affected plants with a strong jet of water, then treat with insecticidal soap (or neem) and repeat every 5–7 days until you see no new damage. If you notice leaf spots or powdery mildew, improve airflow by spacing plants and remove badly affected leaves to reduce spread.

How often should I water Tagetes patula during the main growing phase (once established)?

Water deeply so the top 1–2 inches of soil can dry slightly between waterings; aim for consistently moist (not soggy) soil during growth. In typical summer conditions this is often about 1–2 times per week, but increase frequency in heat and decrease if the soil stays damp. Avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent fungal problems.

How do I tell when Tagetes patula is ready to harvest?

Harvest is based on flower readiness: pick when blooms are fully open and brightly colored, typically starting around 60–70 days after sowing. Snip flowers frequently to encourage continuous blooming, removing spent blooms before they go to seed. If you’re collecting seed, leave some flowers to fully dry on the plant until the seed heads darken and rattle easily.