Marigolds are among the most popular summer flowers because they are almost indestructible and set bright accents with their colorful flowers. The flowering plant bears numerous seeds that you can harvest and use for breeding. If the marigolds feel comfortable in one location, they often even strip themselves.
After flowering, numerous seeds can be collected
Properties of the seeds
Like all daisy family, the marigold develops achanae after fertilization, a variety of nut fruits. The seeds are rod-shaped and are located in small tubes that become visible after the flowers have faded.
Harvest of the seeds
If you want to propagate marigolds yourself, you can harvest the seeds of the faded flowers during the entire flowering period. In this case, do not remove the flower heads immediately after they have faded and leave them on the plant until they have dried up.
Pluck off the seeds carefully and let them dry completely. Keep the seeds in a dry and frost-free place until sowing.
Growing marigolds from seeds
So that the marigolds can be planted in the garden or in a flower box (€16.99) after the ice saints in May, you should start growing them at the end of February or the beginning of March. The following conditions must be met for the marigold to germinate quickly and thrive:
- The marigold is a light germinator. The seeds may therefore be covered with soil at best.
- Moisten carefully with a sprayer so that the small grains are not washed away.
- The optimum germination temperature is between 18 and 20 degrees.
- Place the seed pots in a bright spot on the windowsill. However, direct sun should be avoided.
- Cover the planter with a cover or clear plastic bag.
Since marigolds are usually sown in large areas, you must 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 being outdoors. Initially, only place the pots in a shady and sheltered spot on the patio during the day so that the plants can adapt to the changed conditions.
tips
You can get marigolds in a variety of different shapes that differ in height and flower color. However, the properties of the hybrids are not always passed on in a stable manner when they are bred from seed.