Marigolds are flowers that are loved not only for their beauty, but also for their endurance, continuous flowering, healing and even taste qualities.

And since ancient times, magical properties have been associated with marigolds. 

The homeland of marigolds is South and Central America, where local Indian tribes used the plant in rituals, as well as for the treatment of various diseases. 

Marigolds can be sown first on seedlings, and then in open ground, or you can sow directly in the ground.

Preparation of marigold seeds for planting

Marigold seeds are bought only for the first planting, since it is easy to get seeds from faded marigolds at the end of flowering.

Florists usually plant marigolds with germinated seeds.

In order for the seeds to germinate, spread them on a saucer and cover them with a damp cloth or napkin and place the saucer in a warm place.

Usually, the seeds should hatch in 3 days. 

When to sow marigolds for seedlings

The earlier you sow marigolds for seedlings, the faster they will bloom.

Upright marigolds are sown earlier than all others, in mid-March, short and small-leaved marigolds are sown in early April.

In this case, all three species will bloom in June.

Growing marigold seedlings is not difficult.

For seedlings, you need to prepare a mixture of soil with humus, peat, turf, sand, disinfect the ground, for example, with a solution of potassium permanganate. 

At a distance of 1.5-2 cm from each other, make grooves in which to spread the seeds and sprinkle with a small layer of soil.

It is necessary to water very carefully so that the water does not wash the seeds from the soil.

Keep the container in a warm place and ensure that the soil does not dry out.

When sprouts appear, about a week later, the container should be moved to a cooler place in the light.

When marigold seedlings are planted in open ground

Seedlings are planted in open ground when there is no threat of late frosts, because marigolds cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

Seedlings are transferred to open soil only when it is already warm outside.

In addition, you need to wait until the seedlings have formed at least 3 leaves and a powerful root system.

This usually happens at the end of April, in May.

Plants are planted in areas that are well lit, protected from cold wind and drafts. 

Marigolds need nutritious soil, otherwise they will have to be fertilized 2-3 times during the growing season. 

Tall marigolds are planted every 40 cm, the distance between rows is also 40 cm, medium-sized - according to the 30x30 scheme, short-sized - 20x20.

Marigolds need frequent and plentiful watering. 

When to sow marigolds for seedlings in 2023 according to the lunar calendar

The most successful dates for sowing marigolds for seedlings in April will be 3-5, 7-9, 12-13, 16-17, 21-22, 25-26, 30.

It is better to plant in open soil on May 18, 22-24, 28-31.

 To decide when to sow marigolds in open ground, you need to focus on the temperature.

The plant needs 15-20 degrees of heat for germination, and the night temperature is not lower than 7 degrees. 

In any case, you need to monitor the temperature, it is better to wait a couple of days.

If the weather will be cold or there will be a cold wind, you need to protect the marigold flowers by covering the plants.

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