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Want to grow marigolds from seeds?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tactics, you can have a garden full of these bright blooms. We’ve got 10 simple steps to help you out.
Ready to get your hands dirty?
Let’s start growing!
Pick the Right Seeds
When it comes to marigolds, you’ve got choices! African, French, Signet—each type offers its own charm.
Look for seeds at your local garden center or online. Make sure they’re fresh if you want the best results.
Fresh seeds sprout faster and grow healthier, which is a big win for your garden.
Prep Your Soil
Good soil is the secret sauce. Marigolds love well-draining soil, so grab a bag of potting mix or enrich your garden soil with compost.
Make sure the soil is loose and not too packed. You don’t want your tiny sprouts struggling to break free, right?
Sow the Seeds
Time to get those seeds in the ground! Plant them about 1/4 inch deep.
You can start them in seed trays indoors or directly in the garden. Keep the spacing around 8-10 inches apart if you’re planting outside.
Trust me, they need room to grow!
Water Right Away
Give your newly planted seeds a good drink of water. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
A light misting works perfectly to avoid washing the seeds away. The soil should feel like a damp sponge.
Overwatering can do more harm than good, so keep it light.
Provide Enough Light
Marigolds are sun lovers. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
If you’ve started seeds indoors, place them on a sunny windowsill. Outside, make sure you choose a spot that gets plenty of daylight.
Bright light means brighter blooms!
Thin Out the Seedlings
Once your seedlings pop up and grow a couple of inches tall, you might notice they’re a bit crowded. Give them a little space by thinning them out.
Snip the weaker seedlings at the soil line. Your stronger plants will thank you by growing even better.
Watch for Pests
Marigolds are pretty tough, but they can still attract pests like aphids. Keep an eye out!
If you spot any unwanted critters, a good spray of water or insecticidal soap will do the trick. A little preventative care goes a long way in keeping your plants healthy.
Fertilize Occasionally
For the best blooms, give your marigolds a little nutritional boost. A balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks works wonders.
Just don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can lead to bushy plants with fewer flowers.
Follow the package instructions, and you’ll be golden.
Deadhead for More Blooms
Remove spent flowers to encourage new ones to grow. Pinch or snip off the dead blooms regularly.
This simple step helps your plant focus its energy on producing more flowers. More blooms mean a more colorful garden, and who doesn’t love that?
Enjoy Your Marigolds
By now, your garden should be bursting with beautiful marigolds! Step back and admire your work.
These vibrant flowers don’t just look good—they also help repel pesky insects. Enjoy the beauty and the benefits of your hard work.