Marigold, Eskimo Seeds Tagetes erecta , African Marigold

Marigold seeds can be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is passed. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be warmer than 21°C (70°F) for seeds to germinate. Planting at a lower temperature will delay germination. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Space seeds and plant to the depth indicated below. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 3 mm (1/8") of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. A hard spray can wash soil away, dislodge seeds and clump them together. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. Do not let the soil dry out, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions. When your seedlings reach a height of a few centimetres (inches) and have developed 2 or 3 pairs of leaves, it is important to thin them out, according to the plant spacing indicated below to provide good air circulation and room to grow.

For earlier blooms, seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist, while they establish themselves in their new environment.

• Planting Depth: 3 mm (1/8")
• Seed Spacing: 2.5 cm (1")
• Plant Spacing: 30 cm (12")
• Instructions for Nutrient Care: Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.

• Marigolds make an excellent companion plant to repel insects and nematodes in the soil. They are often used as a natural repellant for other garden plants.
• Once plants have developed 3 or 4 sets of leaves, pinch plants back to the node (area of the stem where leaves begin to grow) to encourage branching.
• Keep soil moist, yet not overly wet. Marigolds prefer the soil to dry out in between waterings. Water at the base of the plant, rather than overhead. Prolonged dampness on foliage invites diseases such as powdery mildew, gray mould and leaf spot.
• Regularly removing spent flowers, known as deadheading will promote continuous blooming and encourage the growth of fresh buds.
• Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can result in lots of foliage and few flowers.