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!

Tips for Growing Impatiens from Seed

One of the world’s most popular annuals, Impatiens is also one of the most beautiful! This lissome plant blooms early in the spring season, adding both color and appeal to the surroundings. Impatiens plants are cold hardy and can be cultivated in both sunny and shaded sites. Interested in growing impatiens? It’s pretty simple, really, and very economical too! The following tips will help you grow impatiens from seed.

• Fill the container with a sterile seed starting mix and moisten it by adding water. Scatter impatiens seeds and press them gently so that they’re only just below the surface. Use a plastic sheet or lid to cover the container.
• Check the estimated last frost date for your region. You can start impatiens seeds 8-10 weeks from this date.
• Refer the details provided on the seed package for the right growing temperature for the seeds. Artificial lighting apparatus is the easiest means of making sure the seeds get the desired warmth. In case you wish to use direct sunlight, place the container near a window. Make sure you turn the container at regular intervals in order to allow all the seeds to benefit the heat.
•  Check the seeds every day. Also, make sure the mix stays moist at all times. Seed germination normally takes about 10-14 days. Those living in cooler regions might have to wait a little longer. 
• Once the seedlings develop 2-3 pairs of leaves, you can transplant them to individual containers. Fertilize regularly, using a standard, well balanced fertilizer.
• Hardening impatiens seedlings is an essential step in preparing the young plants for the outdoors. Start by placing the containers in a sheltered part of your garden for a couple of hours. Gradually increase the time they spend outdoors over a period of 7-10 days.
• Transplant impatiens only after all threat of frosts is over. In the mean time, you can clear the planting site and add good quantities of organic substances to the soil. Water the plants before removing them from their individual containers. This will loosen the roots and allow for easy transplantation.
• Leave a gap of 3-4 inches between adjacent plants and water thoroughly after planting.

 Irrigate your plants regularly, especially during the first couple of months after planting. Fertilize impatiens just before they bloom in spring. That, and a little care is all you need  for growing impatiens!