Licorice Marigold in Zone 4a & 4b
Tagetes filifolia
Yes, licorice marigold grows in zones 4a and 4b. Plant it outside May 15–May 22.
When to plant licorice marigold in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 14–Jul 21 (~60 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 6-10 in.
Plant alongside it in zone 4b
These go outside within two weeks of licorice marigold in zone 4b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 29–Jun 5
- BorageMay 15–May 22
- DillMay 8–May 15
- RosemaryMay 29–Jun 5
- American GinsengMay 15–May 22
- AniseMay 15–May 22
This plant is sold as Black Licorice Herb, which tells you what it tastes like and nothing about what it is. It is a marigold: Tagetes filifolia, cultivar Dropshot, bred by Hem Genetics.
How licorice marigold fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Licorice marigold needs about 60 days from sowing to first harvest.
Licorice Marigold planting windows in every zone
Zone 4b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Not usually | May 30–Jun 6 | Jul 29–Aug 5 |
| 4a & 4b (your zone) | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Jul 14–Jul 21 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Jul 9–Jul 16 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Jun 24–Jul 1 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Jun 9–Jun 16 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | May 24–May 31 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Apr 16–Apr 23 |
| 10a & 10b | Not usually | Jan 30–Feb 6 | Mar 31–Apr 7 |
| 11a & 11b | Not usually | Jan 1–Jan 8 | Mar 2–Mar 9 |
Harvest dates are about 60 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for licorice marigold.
Where to buy licorice marigold seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries licorice marigold seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing licorice marigold" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Licorice Marigold in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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