To eat, or not to eat? I have definitely encountered conflicting information on the web about Tagetes species.

This is one of those flowers we have grown for years, and I'm pondering the wisdom of giving it a taste. I planted Tagetes lucida this year and have eaten it's leaves and flowers in my salads with no ill effects.

Hmmm.

http://www.garden.org/ediblelandscaping/?page=201104-edible

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Tagetes+patula

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/herbs/msg0719115031011.html

This may very well be the disgusting tasting type of marigold. I think I'll give it a nibble. O.K., a few petals are not absolutely revolting, but I'm not eating any white or green parts. The petals have no significant taste at all. Since I have other stuff to do, I'm leaving it at that for today, in case consuming a larger amount does produce some undesirable effects.