Planting Cape Marigold Seeds How To Sow Cape Marigold Seeds

Planting Cape Marigold In warm regions, plant the seeds 1/8th inch deep in the fall. The plants will bloom in 50-60 days after planting. In cold regions, plant the seeds in the spring after danger of frost is past. Plants grow best when spaced 9-12 inches apart, but will tolerate a little crowding.

Can I direct sow marigold seeds?

While it is very easy, starting marigolds from seed indoors offers no real advantage because they germinate so quickly outdoors. Seeds sown directly into the garden about 1-inch apart sprout within days in warm weather and plants bloom in about 8 weeks.

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.

Should you 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.

What is the best time to 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.

How long do marigold seeds take to germinate?

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.

How long do marigold seeds last?

If you buy marigold seeds from a garden center, you can save them in their original packet or an envelope for up to a year. Put the packet or envelope in an airtight jar or bag and store it in a refrigerator or garage at a temperature between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

How many marigold seeds are in a hole?

Sow two marigold seeds per pot or cell, planting them on the surface of the soil. Sow twice as many pots as desired plants if you are growing triploid marigold hybrids because these only have a germination rate of 50 percent. Cover the seeds with a 1/4-inch layer of soil.

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 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.

How do you germinate marigold seeds indoors?

How to Start Indoors

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 do you germinate 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.

Is it too late to plant marigold seeds?

It isn't too late to plant marigolds now

They don't ask for much and bloom all summer long. The seeds and plants are plentiful and cheap, so there's no reason not to plant a bunch. Some bloom in as little as 50 days, so you could even plant some now for fall color.

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 you deadhead marigolds?

The flowering time for marigolds is extended by deadheading any spent blooms. ... If the marigold plants form seeds, they will stop blooming. Follow the flower stem down to the first set of leaves. This is the best place to deadhead the flower.

How can you tell if a marigold seed is good?

Plan to harvest the seeds when the petals are dry and the base of each bloom (the seed pod) is turning brown. It's OK if there is still a little green left on the base. If you wait until it is completely brown, it might have started to rot or mold.

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 month do you plant flower seeds?

Native and Flower Seeds

The best time to plant is August-November, but they can be planted from August-April. Seeds germinate better if planted outside by using the winter weather to break the seed dormancy.

How do I save marigold seeds for next year?

After collecting seeds from marigold flowers, lay them out for a day or so to dry. Storing marigold seeds is best done in a paper envelope so any additional moisture can escape. Plant them in the spring and you'll have a whole new generation of marigolds.

Do marigolds like coffee grounds?

Rhododendrons, like tomatoes and marigolds, love acidic soil and can benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds, which raise acid content. Coffee grounds also help to protect rhododendron bushes from root weevils.

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.