What are marigold seeds good for?
Marigolds sprout very quickly. Usually you will see the seedlings emerge in less than a week. What are marigold seeds good for? Besides growing stunning blooms for your garden, marigold seeds grow plants with edible petals that are used to garnish salads and soups. How to plant: 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.Marigolds are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season and do not come back each year. However, in warm climates, such as USDA zones 9-11, they may reseed and return the following year. Most gardeners replant them annually.Do marigolds spread? Marigolds are rapidly growing plants and most varieties are self-seeding, which means they will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard or garden. Limit the ability to self-seed by deadheading before blooms go to seed.Marigolds prefer a full sun spot in a well drained soil – they will also tolerate a bit of afternoon shade. Prepare the site for planting marigolds by mixing a little Scotts Osmocote® Compost Premium Soil Improver through the original soil – using a garden shovel to turn it through the top 10cm.In Zones 9 and 10, marigolds can easily and happily grow in the frost-free days of June through late October. In other zones, start your seeds indoors 5–6 weeks before the last frost to get them up to size.
What is the secret to growing marigolds?
Full Sun: Marigolds need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. While they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hot summer areas, especially to prolong blooms, they perform best in sunny spots. In cooler climates, full sun will maximize their growth and bloom potential. If planted in shade and cool, moist areas, they are prone to powdery mildew and won’t bloom well. Though they grow in almost any soil, marigolds do best in moderately fertile, well-draining soil.Marigolds are one of the flowering plants that can help in so many ways. They attract bees and butterflies to help pollinate your vegetables, attract predatory insects that love to eat the pests that may plague you, and ‘trap’ certain types of pests so they leave your veggies alone.It’s important to point out, however, that not all plants work as marigold companion plants. For example, some gardeners swear that marigolds stunt the growth of pole beans. I’ve also heard that marigolds and cabbage don’t get along so well.Pests/Disease: Marigolds are relatively pest free, and often used as a natural repellant for other garden plants. The foliage may be prone to gray mold or leaf spot, and powdery mildew, in wet conditions. Young plants can often develop damping off disease when grown too tightly, and if overwatered.Don’t cover your seeds, as marigolds require sunlight in order to germinate. If starting indoors, fill pots with seed starting mix and sow three to four seeds in each pot. Press the seeds into the soil for good soil contact, and water them well. Do not allow the seeds to be covered by more than ¼ inch of soil.
How many days do marigold seeds take to germinate?
Seeds should germinate in around 4-10 days at a soil temperature of 24-28°C. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established. In larger containers, space sites 4″ apart. For each site, plant 3 seeds 1/4 inches deep. Keep the soil warm (65-90°F, ideally 70°F). Sprouts typically appear in 7 days but can range from 5 to 10 days depending on conditions.
Are marigolds easy to grow from seed?
Marigolds are one of the easiest seeds to grow for beginners. The seeds are larger and it does take putting soil on top of them for germination. Also common reason for marigolds to grow tall without blooming is insufficient sunlight or an excess of nitrogen in the soil. Marigolds need at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day to bloom. Too much nitrogen, often from over-fertilizing, can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.Choose an area that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. Marigold plants don’t like constant moisture, but don’t mind poorer soils. Seeds take about five to 10 days to germinate, but once they get going, they grow pretty quickly, taking about eight weeks to bloom.Creating the ideal soil mix for marigolds in pots is vital for their growth and bloom. Since marigolds prefer well-draining soil, heavy garden soil won’t be suitable on its own. Instead, blend it with peat moss to enhance moisture retention and add perlite or vermiculite to increase aeration and drainage.The ideal soil pH for marigolds is between 6 and 7. A general-purpose fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be incorporated into the soil at the time of planting. After planting, marigolds do not require fertilizer as they are low feeders.
What is so special about marigolds?
The blossoms are rich in orange and yellow carotenoids, used in food coloring and as a natural dye for fabrics and wools. Marigolds are a host plant for some Lepidoptera caterpillars, and as a valuable source of nectar for butterflies, a strong reason to add marigolds to a butterfly garden planting. Harvesting and saving marigold seeds is quick and easy. You simply have to remove the seeds from the blooms and let them air dry before storing them over the winter and planting in the spring. If you have an abundance of blooms, you can even make some seed packets to give away as gifts.Marigolds are often planted as companions to vegetables and other garden plants to keep harmful insects at bay. They help reduce the need for chemical pesticides by keeping pests at a distance, promoting a more organic and healthy garden ecosystem.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.These fast-growing flower seeds produce compact, low-growing plants perfect for containers, borders, or garden beds. Heat and drought-tolerant, marigold plants thrive even in tough conditions. Enjoy a long blooming season with live marigold plants that attract pollinators and add lasting color to your space.
Which is the best month to grow marigolds?
Sowing of marigold can be done round the year. In rainy season, do sowing in mid-June and Transplanting in mid-July. In winter, do sowing in mid of September and in mid-October, complete transplantation. Prepared nursery bed of 3m x 1m size. Step 2: Germination and Early Growth Marigold seeds usually take about 4-14 days to germinate. Monitor the trays and ensure they receive sufficient light and moisture for optimal growth.Give them full sun and some well-draining soil and watch them bloom from late spring until fall. Marigold seeds germinate quickly, within just a few days, and bloom in about 8 weeks. This quick sense of satisfaction makes them a great first-time gardening project for kids and garden newbies.The requirements for cultivation of Marigold are well-drained soil and a sunny spot. Marigold Season: In India, Seeds can be sown any time of the year; but the best time to start Marigolds by seeds is between May-July. Sow seeds in Nursery beds, seedbeds, or in seedling trays under semi shade.Sowing Season: In Pakistan, sow French Marigold “Jaffery” seeds from February to mid June, and September, October.
What is the lifespan of a marigold?
However, the overall lifespan of the marigold plant can range from 3 to 4 months, depending on environmental conditions and care. In most climates, marigolds are typically grown as annuals and do not come back the following year. However, in some regions with mild winters, marigolds may reseed themselves and return year after year.Marigolds grow best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soil, but they are also highly adaptable to poor soils.Sunshine – Marigolds are sun-loving plants. In shade, they may produce foliage, but few blooms will appear. Lack of adequate sunlight is a very common reason for no flowers on marigolds. If this is the problem, move the plants to a location where they are exposed to full sunlight all day.Once the plants come out of the ground and get bigger and bigger, the growing space soon gets overcrowded. They can’t realize their full potential due to lack of room for growth and consequently lack of light and food as well. The solution to overcrowded pot marigolds is thinning.Usually planted in the spring or early summer, marigolds are a reliable bloomer through the heat of summer. Lately, a new trend of planting in the fall is giving this old summer favorite even longer seasonal life.