planting desert marigold seeds

Sowing: In late fall, direct sow the desert marigold seed 1/4" deep and lightly water once. For spring planting, stratify the seed by mixing it with moist sand and storing it in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks before planting. Since germination will be naturally low, sow the seed rather thickly.

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.

What is the best way to plant marigold seeds?

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 long does it take to grow marigolds 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.

How many marigold seeds should I plant?

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.

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.

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.

What do marigolds keep away?

Marigolds – The marigold is probably the most well-known plant for repelling insects. French marigolds repel whiteflies and kill bad nematodes. ... And while this plant drives away many bad bugs, it also attracts spider mites and snails.

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.

Is it too late to 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. ... Marigolds usually bloom 45 to 50 days after sowing and continue to bloom until frost.

How often do you 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.

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.

Why is Marigold not a flower?

Marigolds in excessively rich (or over-fertilized) soil may be lush and green, but may produce few blooms. This is one of the primary reasons for marigold plants not flowering. ... 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.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

How do you germinate marigold seeds indoors?

Start with a tray or pot filled with damp soilless potting mix. Sprinkle the marigold seeds over the potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite. Cover the pot or tray with plastic wrap and place the tray in a warm spot.

Can I save marigold seeds?

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 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. Most gardeners like to plant smaller container grown marigolds.

Do marigolds prefer sun or shade?

When & Where to Plant Marigolds

Light: Full sun, to partial shade. Soil: Marigolds prefer fertile soil, preferably loose and loamy with adequate drainage, yet can also tolerate dry conditions. Spacing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1-inch apart, or in seed trays to transplant with root system is established.

How much water does a marigold need per day?

Marigolds only need enough water to dampen the soil, and they only require watering about once every ten days. The soil should be allowed to dry out on the surface before watering. The base of the plant should receive the water, and the plant should not be watered from overhead.

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 multiply?

They'll begin to bloom approximately 45 days after planting. Marigold flowers tend to be in bright hues of yellow, orange and red, and many shades in between. ... In addition, most varieties are self-seeding, so they spread throughout the flower bed or garden year after year.

Why do my marigolds keep 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.