How to Sow Double French Marigold Seeds
Marigold French Double Brocade, is a reliable and attractive variety of dwarf French marigold. This mix showcases a range of colours, from bronze through yellow to red, with semi-double flat crested flowers. These blooms adorn 8 to 10-inch stems, providing abundant flowers throughout the season. Ideal for fronting borders, creating mass plantings, or adding immediate impact to pots or planters, this marigold mix is easy to grow and brings vibrant colour to any garden.
How to Grow Double French Marigold from Seed
- Soil Preparation Advice: Ensure the soil is well-draining and fertile. Remove any weeds or debris and loosen the soil to improve aeration and root penetration. Adding organic matter, such as compost, can enhance the soil’s nutrient content and overall quality
- Seed Sowing Advice: For early blooms, start the Marigold French Double Brocade Mix seeds indoors in a sunny window or under cover with warmth, for approximately 4-6 weeks before transplanting them outdoors. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch in a well-draining seed-starting mix or potting soil.
- Germination: Double French marigold seeds typically germinate within 5-14 days, depending on the temperature and growing conditions. To promote successful germination, maintain a temperature range of 21-27°C (70-80°F). Ensure the seeds are kept consistently moist but not overly saturated during the germination period.
- Seed Spacing: provide sufficient spacing between each seed to allow proper air circulation and growth. Aim for a spacing of approximately 15-30 cm (6-12 in) between each seed, depending on the desired density and the available space in your garden or containers
- Thinning and Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, thin them out if necessary, ensuring that the remaining plants have enough space to develop. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
- Acclimatization: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. This process, known as hardening off, involves gradually exposing the young plants to outdoor temperatures and sunlight. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours a day and gradually increase the exposure over time
Caring for Double French Marigold Seeds
- Maintenance: Double French Marigold requires regular maintenance to thrive and produce an abundance of blooms. Water the plants consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Protection from Slugs and Snails: While the Double French Marigold seedlings are young and tender, it’s important to protect them from slugs and snails, which can cause damage. Implement slug and snail control measures such as physical barriers, organic slug pellets, or beer traps to deter these pests
- Additional Care Advice: Monitor the plants for any signs of pest infestations or diseases. If necessary, employ organic pest control methods to address issues such as aphids or fungal infections. Regularly deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and remove any developing seed heads to prevent self-seeding and encourage more flower production
