Planting Marigold Seeds Learn When And How To Plant Marigold Seeds

If you're starting indoors, sow the seeds in a well-draining, rich soilless growing medium in a warm place. Scatter the seeds on top of the mix, then cover them with a very fine layer (less than ¼ inch (0.5 cm.)) of more medium. Marigold seed germination usually takes 5 to 7 days.

What month do you plant marigold seeds?

When to Plant Marigolds

Young French and signet marigolds can be planted from spring through midsummer, but the tall African marigolds are best planted right away in the spring (after danger of frost has passed) because they are slower to mature and produce flowers. Find local frost dates here.

How do you plant marigold seeds step by step?

Sow marigold seed directly in the ground and cover with a thin layer of soil (about 1/8 inch deep). Water thoroughly. Thin to 8-18 inches apart after seedlings have sprouted. Marigolds can also be started early indoors under grow lights for transplanting outdoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date.

How late can you plant marigold seeds?

You can plant marigold seeds directly outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has passed for your area or start seeds indoors up to about eight weeks before the last frost. Seeds usually germinate within four to 14 days in soil temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should I soak marigold seeds before planting?

Large seeds such as sunflowers and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in warm water overnight. Other flower seeds that will germinate faster include moonflowers, lupins, sweet peas and morning glories. ... Smaller seeds such as zinnia and marigolds can be soaked as well.

Are marigolds easy to grow from seed?

Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within a few days and blooming in about 8 weeks, making them easy to grow from seed. Sow seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and water thoroughly after planting.

Does marigold need full sun?

Once planted, marigolds grow rapidly with no fuss. Most thrive in full sun, taking hot, sunny exposures in stride. Marigolds can even handle the reflected heat and light of paved surfaces as long as they get regular moisture. ... In fact, marigolds bloom better and more often in poorer soil.

How long do marigold plants last?

Garden marigolds are annuals, which means they germinate, grow, bear flowers and die all in one growing season. Generally, their maximum lifespan is less than a year, even when they're started early in the year indoors instead of starting from seed directly in the garden.

How many marigold seeds should I plant?

Use sterilized potting soil or soilless starting mix. Plant 2-3 seeds per starter tray cell. When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin out all but the strongest plant from each cell. Water daily with a spray bottle to prevent water logging and alleviate the risk of damping off.

How often should I water marigold seeds?

Established marigolds in garden beds need a good soak once each week. Give them enough water so that the soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If the weather is unusually hot or windy, they'll need extra water. Water marigolds in pots when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry.

Will marigold seeds survive winter?

If you stop deadheading in August, you will allow some marigold flowers to finish up their life cycle by going to seed. These seeds develop, dry and drop to the ground. It's entirely possible for the seeds to last through the winter to germinate in spring.

Do marigold seeds need light to germinate?

Marigold seeds do not need any light to germinate, so you don't need to provide light yet. The next step for growing marigolds from seed is to check the planted marigold seeds daily for germination. Typically, marigolds will take three to four days to germinate, but may take a few days longer if the location is cooler.

How do you plant marigold seeds last year?

Sow seed directly outside in the garden after the last frost when the soil has begun to warm. Cover with a thin layer of soil. Water the soil thoroughly, but avoid oversaturating the soil. After the seeds have sprouted, thin the marigold seedlings until they are about 8 to 18 inches apart.

How do you start seeds in egg cartons?

An easy solution is to cut off the container lid and put it under the bottom of the carton. Poke holes in the bottom of each egg cup and any moisture will drain out and into the lid underneath. Fill each egg cup with potting soil and place seeds in to the appropriate depth.

Should I germinate seeds before planting?

Soaking seeds before planting helps you to break down the seed's natural defenses against what it expects from Mother Nature, which then allows it to germinate faster. ... These inhibitors must be leached away before a seed can germinate. In nature with natural rainfall, this process can take some time.

Will 20 year old seeds grow?

There is a good chance that those old seed packets will have a high percentage of seeds that will germinate just fine. Most seeds, though not all, will keep for at least three years while maintaining a decent percentage of germination. And even a group of very old seeds may have 10 or 20 percent that still sprouts.

What can you not plant with marigolds?

Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.

Is Marigold a perennial?

Are marigolds perennials or annuals? Actually, both! Most marigolds are annuals, but a few are perennials. Marigolds self-seed so they may appear to be a perennial when in reality, they are just coming back from seed.

Do marigolds do well in pots?

Any type of marigold can be grown in containers, but keep in mind that some types, such as African marigolds, can reach heights of up to 3 feet (1 m.) and may be too large for standard containers. ... Signet marigolds are another good choice for potted marigold plants.

Do you deadhead marigolds?

Deadheading marigold plants keeps those cheery flowers coming. ... Removing spent marigold flowers is a process that should continue as long as the plants are in bloom. If you want to know when to deadhead marigolds, start when you see the first faded blossom and keep on marigold deadheading all summer long.

Why are my marigold seedlings dying?

Among the most common marigold diseases are blights, rots, and mildews. Usually, these types of diseases show up when conditions are wet and warm, and fungal spores are rampant. In most cases, simply discontinuing overhead watering can stop the formation and spread of spores.