How long does it take for marigold seeds to germinate
The editor answers for you about how long it takes for marigold seeds to germinate and some green plant maintenance tips related to marigold planting methods and timing, which can definitely help you. Let's learn about it together!
Marigold is also known as pot marigold, immortelle, Chinese rose, and golden flower. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, genus Calendula. It is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean coast.
【Morphological characteristics】
Marigold is an annual or biennial herbaceous flower. The plant height is about 40 centimeters. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, slightly thick, pubescent, and the base wraps the stem. The capitulum is solitary at the top of the stem. The central part is tubular flowers, and the surrounding part is ligulate flowers. The flower diameter is 4 to 10 centimeters. The flower color ranges from golden yellow to orange-red. The blooming period is from March to June. The seeds are large, resembling chicken claws, curved and spiny. There are about 120 seeds per gram. There are many cultivated varieties, which can be divided into columnar type and double-petaled type by flower shape, and tall variety and dwarf variety by plant height. Tall varieties are mostly used for cut flowers, while dwarf varieties are mostly used for potting.
【Growth habits】
Marigold has strong adaptability and grows rapidly. It prefers a growth environment with sufficient sunlight and good ventilation. It is relatively cold-resistant but dislikes humid heat. In the northern regions, it must overwinter in a sunny bed, while in the southern regions, during the hot summer, the plant vigor is weak, easily withered, and flowers are few and small.
It is not strict about soil requirements, but grows best in loose, fertile, slightly alkaline soil. Therefore, a certain amount of humus and a little lime should be mixed into the cultivation soil. The time from sowing to flowering is about 100 to 110 days.
【Propagation methods】
Marigold is propagated by seeds and can also self-sow.
The optimal sowing period is in early September. Since the germination rate of the seeds is not very high (about 60%), the sowing amount should be increased appropriately to ensure the number of seedlings. Also, because the seeds are large, the soil layer covering the seeds after sowing should be slightly thicker to ensure robust seedlings. Seedlings can emerge 10 to 15 days after sowing. When the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves, the first transplanting should be carried out, and when they have 5 to 6 leaves, they can be planted in pots. If it is direct sowing in the flower bed, because the branches and leaves are large and grow quickly, 2-3 thinning should be carried out according to its growth.
How long does it take for marigold seeds to germinate
【Cultivation management】
From planting to flowering, marigold should be top-dressed with 2 to 3 times of liquid fertilizer to promote strong plant growth and improve flowering quality. However, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer should be controlled during fertilization to avoid excessive stem and leaf growth with few flowers. If it is grown in a flower bed, the faded flowers should be cut off in time to extend the flowering period. If it is grown as a cut flower, the planting density can be increased, and the tops can be pinched to promote lateral branches, thereby increasing the length and quality of the flower stems.
Although marigold is a long-day plant, its critical photoperiod is very low, only 6.5 hours, so the timing of sowing does not affect flowering. For cut flower cultivation or forced cultivation, if batch sowing is carried out from September to the following February, the production time of cut flowers can be effectively controlled. However, it should also be noted that if the photoperiod exceeds 12 hours, the plant is prone to excessive growth, which will affect the quality of flowering.
When the fruit is plump and the color changes from green to yellow, the seeds are mature and should be harvested on a sunny day. The viability of the seeds can be maintained for 2 to 3 years.
【Uses】
Marigold is one of the representative species of annual and biennial herbaceous flowers, widely cultivated around the world, and it is also one of the main herbaceous flower species for spring and summer viewing in landscape applications in China. Its flowers are large and bright, with a long blooming period, suitable for flower beds, street green spaces, and can also be used as early spring potted flowers, as well as cut flowers. The whole plant can be used as medicine, with diaphoretic and diuretic effects. The flowers and leaves contain essential oils, and the dried ligulate flowers can be used as seasoning.
【Cultivation tips】
First, marigold should be grown in a dry environment with sufficient sunlight and good ventilation, avoiding humidity and heat.
Second, a small amount of lime should be mixed into the cultivation soil.
Third, when fertilizing, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer should be controlled to prevent excessive stem and leaf growth from affecting flowering.
The above comprehensive knowledge explanation on the germination time of marigold seeds and the planting methods and timing brought by the Green Plant Enthusiast website can help you.