How to plant marigold seeds
An article about how to plant marigold seeds and related cultivation techniques for marigolds in the field of green plants and flowers. The following is an introduction for you in detail.
Marigolds are annual herbaceous flowers of the Asteraceae family, also known as big hibiscus, marigold lamp, comb flower, smelly chrysanthemum, scorpion flower, etc. They are native to Mexico and are distributed throughout China. Marigolds are often sown in spring. The plant has a special smell, large and beautiful flowers, full and overlapping petals, and a long blooming period. Therefore, marigolds are commonly used for flower bed landscaping and can also be potted. Marigold flowers are yellow or orange, single or double-petaled, and come in dwarf and standard sizes, as well as small and slender varieties.
Marigolds prefer warm and humid conditions, require plenty of sunlight, and are adaptable, but do not grow well under extreme heat. They are not strict about soil requirements but thrive in fertile, deep, humus-rich, and well-drained sandy soil. The blooming period of marigolds is from June to October. The optimal growing temperature is between 15-25°C, with the best blooming temperature between 18-20°C. The relative humidity of the growing environment should be between 60-70%. If the temperature is below 5°C or above 30°C, the plant will grow too tall, the stems and leaves will become loose, and fewer flowers will bloom. Therefore, the winter temperature should not be below 5°C, and the summer temperature should not exceed 30°C.
I. Propagation methods of marigolds:
The main propagation methods of marigolds are seed sowing and cutting.
Seed sowing: Generally carried out from March to April each year, with seedlings transplanted or directly sown in the courtyard. If sown in a greenhouse or in a warm indoor area using pots, sowing can be done as early as February. Common sowing methods include drilling, broadcasting in furrows, or broadcasting on the surface of the bed. After sowing, cover the seeds with soil so that they are not visible, and use straw or plastic film to keep the soil moist. The daytime temperature should be maintained at 21°C, and the nighttime temperature should not be lower than 17°C. Generally, seeds can germinate within 7 days. When the seedlings reach 5 cm in height, transplant them once. Marigolds can be planted after they have 5-7 true leaves. To control plant height, sowing can also be done in summer, with flowers blooming 60 days after germination.
Cutting method: Marigolds can be propagated by cuttings in summer, which root easily and grow quickly. Cut 8-12 cm young branches from the mother plant as cuttings, remove the lower leaves, insert them into the potting soil, with 3 cuttings per pot, water them thoroughly after planting, and slightly shade them. Roots can form within 2 weeks. Then, gradually move them to a sunny area for daily management, and they can bloom after about 1 month.
II. Planting: Marigolds can be planted after they have 5-7 true leaves. They can be planted in flower pots or around the courtyard. If planted in a continuous area, the spacing between marigold plants should be 30-35 cm to avoid dense planting, which can affect ventilation and lead to serious powdery mildew later. If sowing directly in flower pots or around the courtyard, thinning can be done slightly after the seedlings emerge.
III. Water and fertilizer management: The management is relatively simple. After transplanting seedlings, water them regularly to keep the soil moist. During the growing period, avoid excessive watering as it can cause yellowing and falling of leaves. Watering should be thorough and penetrate the soil to promote root growth. Pay attention to timely fertilization, applying diluted decomposed human waste or cake fertilizer every 20 days before flowering. You can also use dried cow or pig manure mixed with cake fertilizer powder and a small amount of ammonium sulfate or urea, scattered in the row spacing and mixed well with the soil during weeding. Root external fertilization should be applied when the flowers are in full bloom, preferably after 6 pm. During the dry summer blooming period, water promptly to prevent leaf drop and apply fertilizer frequently to extend the blooming period.
IV. Daily management: After planting, pinch the tips to promote branching and flowering. Regularly till the soil to remove weeds, keep the soil loose, reduce moisture evaporation, and promote air circulation, which are important for the rapid and healthy growth of marigold seedlings. Pay attention to controlling red spiders. After flowering, prune the spent flowers and branches to renew the flowering stems and extend the blooming period.
V. Seed collection: From June to October, after the flowers wither, the seeds gradually turn black and mature, and can be harvested in time. Dry and thresh the seeds in a ventilated place, clean them, and store them in bags to prevent mold and insect infestation.
The above information on how to plant marigold seeds and related cultivation techniques is provided for green plant enthusiasts as a reference, hoping to solve your problems in green plant and flower management.