No wonder marigolds are a favorite flower to plant with kids, either at home or in school projects.

When to Sow Marigold Seeds

As tropical or semi-tropical plants, marigolds dont like the cold.

The vibrant yellow or orange flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Properly planting marigold seeds for spring

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Marigolds also attract beneficial insects such as lacewings, ladybeetles, and parasitic wasps.

Planting marigoldshelps to suppress root-knot nematodes and some fungi, bacteria, insects, and viruses.

An average soil temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for germination.

Bumblebee on marigolds

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Select a sunny spot that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

Keep the soil evenly moist and water if it doesnt rain.

Seeds will germinate in four to 14 days.

Overhead view of materials needed to start and plant marigold seeds

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Once the seedlings emerge, start thinning them by cutting unwanted seedlings at ground level with scissors.

Sow three to four seeds in each seed-starting pot.

Place them under grow lights or near a bright south-facing window.

Marigold seeds spilling out of a seed packet

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There is no top or bottom end to marigold seeds.

It depends on your zone and whether you start them indoors or outdoors.

Always plant your marigolds in the spring after the last frost.

Planting marigold seeds in the garden bed

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Place groups of three or four seeds together, with about one-inch space between them.

Space these seed clusters six to 12 inches apart, depending on the bang out of marigold.

French marigolds are smaller and need less space and African marigolds are taller and need more space.

Gently watering the seeded area after planting marigold seeds

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Using Flowering Plants to Help Parasitic Wasps Attack Stink Bug Eggs.

University of Maryland Extension.

Marigolds and Nematode Management.

Thinning out marigold seedlings with scissors

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Seed trays filled with potting mix next to a palm full of marigold seeds

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Preparing to sow marigold seeds in the seed starting trays

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Covering the seed starting trays with a plastic lid

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Placing the seed trays underneath a grow light

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Continuing to moisten and keep the seed trays wet

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Removing the plastic lid from the seed trays

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Marigold seedlings

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