The seeds of the marigold: characteristics and sowing

The seeds of the marigold: characteristics and sowing

Properties of the seeds

Like all sunflowers, the marigold forms achanaia, a variety of nut fruits, after fertilization. The seeds are rod-shaped and are located in small tubes that become visible after blooming.

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Harvesting the seeds

If you want to propagate Tagetes yourself, you can harvest the seeds of the dead flowers during the entire flowering period. In this case, do not remove the flower heads immediately after they have withered and leave them on the plant until they have dried out.

Carefully pluck the seed heads off and let them dry completely. Keep the seeds in a dry and frost-free place until they are sown.

Grow marigolds from seeds

So that the marigolds can be planted in the garden or in a flower box (€ 13.18 at Amazon *) after the ice saints in May, you should start growing at the end of February or beginning of March. The following conditions must be met so that the marigolds germinate quickly and thrive:

  • The marigold is a light germ. The seeds may therefore only be covered with a thin layer of earth.
  • Moisten carefully with a sprayer so that the small grains are not washed away.
  • The optimal germination temperature is between 18 and 20 degrees.
  • Place the growing containers in a bright place on the windowsill. However, direct sun should be avoided.
  • Cover the planter with a cover or a clear plastic bag.

Since marigolds are usually sown flat, you have to prick out the young plants as soon as the second pair of leaves has formed. After the ice saints, the marigolds should be carefully accustomed to the outdoors. At first, only place the pots in a shady and protected place on the terrace during the day so that the plants can adapt to the changed conditions.

Tips

Tagetes are available in a variety of different shapes that differ in height and flower color. However, the properties of the hybrids are not always inherited in a stable manner when bred by seeds.