You now have everything you need to start growing lovely marigolds! The Marigold Starter Kit comes with heirloom seeds that are low maintenance and will make your garden look great. In addition to their beauty, marigolds are a beneficial companion plant for vegetables and are also deer resistant.
Marigolds are one of our favorite flowers. It’s easy to get started growing marigolds from seed.
With their bright, cheery colors and ability to bloom non-stop through the season, marigolds are a beloved annual flower for gardens everywhere Many gardeners get the process started by sowing marigold seeds indoors and allowing the seedlings to get a head start before moving them outside. But timing is everything when it comes to successfully transplanting young marigold plants into the garden for ongoing flowering. Read on to learn the ideal time and techniques for transplanting marigold seedlings
Why Start Marigolds Indoors?
Starting marigold seeds indoors offers several advantages
-
Earlier blooms – Seedlings mature faster indoors compared to direct sowing.
-
Better germination – Consistent moisture and warmth help marigold seeds sprout more uniformly.
-
Longer season – Indoor starts extend total bloom time by a few weeks.
-
Wider variety – Grow rare or expensive marigold types not found at garden centers.
-
Companion planting – Have seedlings ready to dot around vegetables and flowers.
As long as they are transplanted properly, marigold seedlings get a productivity boost from an early indoor start.
When to Sow Marigold Seeds Indoors
Marigolds take 50-60 days on average from seed sowing to flower bloom. Here are some tips for timing:
-
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date.
-
For summer blooms, sow a second batch 8-10 weeks before the extreme heat of summer arrives.
-
In warmer climates, sow fall/winter marigold seeds in late summer about 8 weeks before the first fall frost.
-
Follow individual seed packet instructions for days to maturity to help gauge timing.
-
Adjust dates based on your local growing conditions and seasonal variations.
Sowing seeds too far in advance risks tall, spindly seedlings desperate for more light. Too late risks shortened bloom time.
Growing Marigold Seedlings Indoors
Once seeds are sown, good care is key:
-
Place seed trays or pots in bright, sunny windows or under grow lights.
-
Maintain even moisture – not too wet or dry.
-
Thin seedlings once the first true leaves appear.
-
Allow at least two sets of true leaves to develop before hardening off.
-
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
With attentive growing conditions indoors, marigold seedlings will grow stocky, green and ready to transition outside.
When to Transplant Marigolds Outdoors
The ideal window for transplanting marigold seedlings is 2-4 weeks before your area’s final spring frost date, when soil has warmed to at least 55°F.
Here are more tips on timing:
-
Wait until daytime temperatures are regularly in the 60s F and nighttime lows are above 45°F.
-
Hold off transplanting if a cold snap is forecasted. Marigolds can tolerate light frost but not hard freezes.
-
Transplant earlier into protected microclimates, 3-4 weeks before average final frost.
-
In warmer zones like 9 and above, marigolds can be transplanted out as much as 6 weeks before the last frost date.
-
If planted too early, new marigold transplants may stall and sit without new growth until the weather warms.
Pay close attention to weather forecasts when deciding exact transplant dates to prevent any setbacks in growth.
How to Transplant Marigold Seedlings
Follow these steps when moving marigold seedlings from indoors to the garden:
-
Harden off seedlings as described above to reduce transplant shock.
-
Water seedlings well the day before and right before transplanting.
-
Carefully separate seedlings in clumps to preserve as much of the root system as possible.
-
Dig holes the same depth as the seedling root ball and twice as wide.
-
Place seedling in the hole and firm the soil around stems and roots.
-
Water transplants well immediately after planting and daily for the first week.
-
Protect new transplants from harsh sun and wind the first few days after planting.
With attentive planting and aftercare, marigold seedlings quickly establish and transition to flowering.
Post-Transplant Care for Marigolds
Once settled into garden soil, marigold transplants need:
-
At least 6 hours of full sun daily for best flowering.
-
1-2 inches of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Avoid wet leaves.
-
Quick draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost.
-
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
-
Pinching of lead shoots to encourage bushy growth.
-
Deadheading spent blooms to prolong flowering.
-
Staking of tall varieties if needed.
With proper growing conditions after transplanting, marigolds will thrive and produce colorful blossoms within weeks.
Troubleshooting Marigold Transplant Problems
Even when planted at the ideal time, issues can pop up. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
-
Leggy, weak growth – Caused by insufficient light indoors. Move to sunnier spot or use grow lights to prevent legginess.
-
Wilting, lack of new growth – Transplanted too early while soil was still cool. Use cloches to protect from cold if early planting is unavoidable.
-
Flowers slowing down – Extreme summer heat causes poor flowering. Little can be done except choosing heat tolerant marigold varieties.
-
Insect pests – Aphids, spider mites, caterpillars and others may attack. Practice prevention and control measures promptly.
-
Diseases – Damping off, powdery mildew, blights and other diseases can occur. Improve air circulation and avoid wet leaves.
Enjoy an Abundant Marigold Display
With the right timing and care, transplanting homegrown marigold seedlings results in lush, floriferous plants that will brighten up any garden. Pay close attention to soil temperature, hardening off, and aftercare when moving seedlings outside. Follow the tips in this guide for transplanting marigold seedlings at just the right time for an incredible flower display all season long. The extra effort of starting marigolds indoors pays off with earlier, longer lasting color in garden beds, borders, containers and more.
Marigold Starter Kit Growing Guide
- Start by following the instructions for hydrating the soil discs. You can start planting as soon as the soil has been spread out and put in pots.
- Plant the marigold seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Between 70oF and 80oF is the best temperature for the soil for marigold seeds to sprout. Simple to start indoors.
Knowing how and when to water is vital:
- Water by misting until the marigold seeds start to sprout. This will take 5 to 10 days.
- Take care that the seeds don’t dry out too quickly. For marigold seeds to grow, they need to stay damp but not soaked.
- A dome can help retain moisture. Keep the dome on until they begin to sprout.
- Keep the soil moist even after the seedlings start to grow.
- Less frequent but deep watering will encourage root growth.
- The pot shouldn’t dry out all the way between waterings; just the top layer of soil should be dry.
- As the plants grow, only water the soil and don’t wet the plants.
Now that your marigolds are growing and getting enough water, you should think about what else flowers need: food. The soil that comes in your kit has added amendments that create a fertile growing environment. You may want to add fertilizer when you transplant to a garden or larger pots.
From seed to planting, transplanting Marigold seedlings // Plus More Mondays
FAQ
How tall should marigold seedlings be before transplanting?
When to move marigold seedlings outside?
When to transplant marigold seedlings to bigger pots?
How cold is too cold for marigold seedlings?
How do you plant marigold seeds?
Plant marigold seeds in a sunny location with well drained soil. As well as bringing sunny colours to the garden, marigolds are often used as a companion plant, repelling unwanted insects and underground nematodes. As a bonus, the Gem varieties impart a wonderful citrus scent and are often used as an edible flower. Bloom time: Summer to frost.
How long does it take marigolds to grow?
Marigolds – “a tall and very showy” flower – take about 90 days to grow, and flower growers time their production to coincide with Dia de los Muertos, said Richard Smith, emeritus farm advisor with the Monterey County University of California Cooperative Extension.
How do you care for a marigold plant?
Simply water the plant when you notice the soil is drying out, and water them at ground level (not directly on the blooms). Sun: Marigolds will grow in full or partial sunlight, which allows you to plant them throughout your raised beds (in sunny and shady spots). Soil: Plant marigolds in well-drained soil.