How to prune signet marigold 'lemon gem'

Mid-season shear in midsummer if needed. Use garden scissors to lightly shear the whole plant by one-quarter to one-third. Remove any obviously spent clusters with fingertips as you go.

As needed; one optional mid-season shear. Signet Marigold 'Lemon Gem' is largely self-cleaning with masses of small flowers and finely cut, lemon-scented foliage. Deadheading is beneficial but less critical than with larger marigolds. A light shearing by about one-quarter mid-season refreshes the plant if it becomes straggly. Otherwise, minimal pruning is needed — it blooms freely with little fuss.

Use garden scissors to lightly shear the whole plant by one-quarter to one-third. Remove any obviously spent clusters with fingertips as you go.