How to Grow Marigolds from Seed

A bright summer day, gentle breeze and a group of Marigolds in bloom… it’s hard to even imagine a spectacle more stunning! What if you could create this same stunning spectacle in your own garden? Sounds like a tough task? Well, it isn’t! Growing marigolds from seeds takes just a little effort and care. Here’s some information to help you grow marigold plants.

You can start marigold seeds indoors in spring, 6-7 weeks from the first frost free date for your region. Use a sterile seed potting mix for sowing the seeds. Fill the tray with the potting mix and add water to moisten it. Sow the seeds at least 2 inches apart and top them with about ¼ inch of medium. Cover the tray with a plastic cover and place it at a warm spot. Seed germination usually takes 5-7 days. Make sure to check on the seeds ever day and keep the mix moist at all times. 

Once the seeds germinate, remove the plastic cover and move the tray to a bright spot, away from direct sunlight. The seedlings will be ready to be moved to individual containers within the next 10 days. Place the containers in a location that offers full sun. Irrigate the plants regularly, making sure the soil doesn’t become dry.   

Hardening off the seedlings is essential to prepare the plants for the outdoor conditions. Start by placing them in a bright, sheltered area of your garden for a couple of hours. Gradually add to the time the plants spend outdoors over a span of 7-10 days. Once the danger of frost is past, you can transplant marigold seedlings in your garden. 

Pick a sunlit spot with well draining soil for planting marigold seedlings. Next, remove all stones and weeds from the planting site and incorporate peat moss or other organic materials. The planting hole should be just enough large to accommodate the root ball. Sow the seedlings 10-15 inches apart and water well after refill.

Growing marigolds from seed is a process that’s both exciting and inexpensive. Recommended to all!

'Mr. Majestic' Gets Some Love & A First Place Win

Tagetes 'Mr. Majestic' received some kudos from one of our Canadian customers earlier this week we'd like to share. Who doesn't like some good news at the end of the week?

Here's how 'Mr.Majestic' is described on our website:

From T&M's own breeding program - Awarded the FLEUROSELECT QUALITY MARK.
Many gardeners have grown T&M's Marigold 'Striped Marvel' since it was introduced in 1992. It is a novel Marigold seed, ideal for cut flowers and the back of borders and bedding. We are proud to introduce ' Mr Majestic', a dwarf version of 'Striped Marvel.'

A fantastic compact bedding plant or ideal for containers around the garden. It is a welcome change from pure oranges and lemons and one which is bound to get the neighbors talking! Flowers summer. Height 30cm (12in).

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Here's the e-mail we received from Dawn :

" These seeds are a real testament to TM quality. We purchased them many years ago, they were sent to us in the West Indies. Opened and resealed the packet numerous times. Last weekend, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, won first place in our regional fall fair - flowers from plants from seeds from the original packet."

We're always grateful to have the gardening community share their stories with us. Many thanks to Dawn for contacting us. Congratulations on the first place win!