You don't have to buy marigolds in advance at the hardware store, as the seeds can be collected by yourself without any problems. You can also get seeds for unusual marigold varieties from specialist garden shops, which germinate excellently and quickly grow into strong young plants. However, since the marigold germinates in the light, there are a few important points to keep in mind so that the seed germinates reliably.

Tagetes seeds need light to germinate

What are light germs?

All plants whose seeds only sprout under the influence of light are referred to as light germinators. The seed must therefore not be covered with substrate or only very thinly.

Sow marigolds

For this you need these tools:

  • Flower pots or seed trays
  • Special potting soil
  • A sprayer filled with water
  • Clear plastic bags or a grow cap
  • tagetes seeds

Now it's time to sow:

  • Fill the potting soil into the container and press down lightly.
  • Moisten the soil with the spray bottle but do not soak it.
  • Distribute the marigold seeds and gently press them down.
  • Spray with some water. Be careful not to wash away the tiny seeds.
  • Cover the jar with the hood or plastic bag to create an artificial greenhouse climate.
  • The ideal location is a warm, bright spot on the windowsill that is not in full sun.
  • Ventilate daily to prevent mold and rot.

Under these conditions, the cotyledons appear after just one to two weeks. Once the small marigold plants have formed the second pair of leaves, the seedlings must be separated

pricking out marigolds

The densely sown marigolds must be pricked out so that each plant has enough root space. If you refrain from separating, only the strongest seedlings will prevail.

For this you need:

  • A wooden or special pricking stick
  • Many small flower pots
  • Potting soil mixed with sand.
  • A sprayer with water
  • Fill pots with substrate, press down.
  • moisten soil.
  • Make a hole in the substrate with the pricking stick.
  • Carefully lift the marigold plants out of the seed tray with the pricking stick.
  • Put in the plants and press down the soil carefully so as not to damage the sensitive roots.
  • Moisten again with the sprayer.

Since the marigold is quite sensitive to frost, the small plants may only be transplanted outdoors when it is guaranteed that there is no longer a threat of late frost.

tips

Slowly get the marigolds used to the changed conditions and initially place the flowerpots with the young plants on the balcony or terrace only during the day.

Category:

Vegetable garden