Licorice Marigold in Zone 5a & 5b
Tagetes filifolia
Yes, licorice marigold grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside May 10–May 17.
When to plant licorice marigold in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 10–May 17 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 9–Jul 16 (~60 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 6-10 in.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of licorice marigold in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- DillMay 3–May 10
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- American GinsengMay 10–May 17
- AniseMay 10–May 17
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Licorice marigold needs about 60 days from sowing to first harvest.
Licorice Marigold planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b 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 | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Jul 14–Jul 21 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | 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 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Licorice Marigold in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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