Marigolds are a popular annual flower that add a pop of color to gardens with their cheerful yellow, orange, red and white blooms Many gardeners get a head start on growing marigolds by starting the seeds indoors and nurturing seedlings until it’s time to transplant them outside Proper timing of when to transplant marigold seedlings is key for getting continuous flowering throughout the growing season.
Why Start Marigolds Indoors?
There are several advantages to sowing marigold seeds indoors and growing seedlings before transplanting them into the garden beds
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Earlier blooms – Marigold seedlings mature faster and start flowering sooner when grown indoors. This extends the duration of flowering.
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More uniform germination – The consistent warmth and moisture indoors helps a higher percentage of seeds germinate successfully.
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Wider variety – Rare or expensive hybrid marigold varieties not found at garden centers can be started from seed.
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Companion planting – Marigold seedlings will be ready to transplant alongside vegetables and flowers they benefit.
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Longer season – An early indoor start translates to weeks of extra flowering in the fall.
As long as seedlings are transplanted properly, starting marigolds indoors gives them a productivity boost.
When to Start Seeds Indoors
Marigolds generally take 50-60 days to go from seed sowing to first bloom. Here are some tips on timing:
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In most climates, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the expected last spring frost date.
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For summer blooms, sow a second batch 8-10 weeks before peak summer heat arrives.
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In warm winter areas, sow fall marigold seeds in late summer about 8 weeks prior to the first fall frost date.
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Follow the “days to maturity” on the seed packet to gauge sowing dates accurately.
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Adjust dates based on local growing conditions and weather variations each season.
Starting seeds too far ahead risks leggy, stressed seedlings desperate for more light. Sowing seeds too late may result in a shorter flowering window.
Caring for Seedlings Indoors
Once sown, marigold seeds need the following conditions to grow into stocky, healthy transplants:
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Place seed trays or pots in a sunny window or under grow lights.
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Maintain consistent moisture in the starting medium – avoid very wet or very dry conditions.
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Thin out crowded seedlings once the first true leaves appear.
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Allow at least 2 sets of true leaves to develop before hardening off.
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Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
Proper care indoors prevents stretched, weak transplants unable to adapt well after transplanting.
Ideal Time to Transplant Outdoors
The optimal window for moving marigold seedlings into garden beds is 2-4 weeks before your area’s last expected spring frost date, when the soil has warmed to 55°F or higher.
Here are some more tips on ideal transplant timing:
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Wait until daytime temperatures are consistently in the 60s F and nighttime lows stay above 45°F.
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Avoid transplanting if a cold snap or frost is forecasted. Marigolds can take light frosts but not hard freezes.
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In protected microclimates, transplant up to 4 weeks before the average final frost date.
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In zones 9 and warmer, marigolds can go out up to 6 weeks prior to the final frost.
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Transplanting too early while soil is cool causes seedlings to stall and delay growth.
Monitor weather forecasts closely to choose transplant dates that avoid any setbacks to seedling establishment.
How to Transplant Marigold Seedlings
Follow these steps when moving marigold seedlings from indoors into the garden:
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting.
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Water seedlings thoroughly the day before and right before transplanting.
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Carefully separate clustered seedlings to keep roots intact.
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Dig holes the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide.
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Place seedling in hole and firm soil gently around stems and roots.
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Water transplants immediately after planting and daily the first week.
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Protect new transplants from harsh sun and wind for a few days after planting.
With proper planting techniques and aftercare, marigold seedlings quickly recover from transplant shock and transition to actively growing and flowering.
Caring for Marigolds After Transplanting
Once settled into the garden, marigold transplants need:
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At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for best flowering.
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1-2 inches of water per week from rain or irrigation. Avoid wet leaves.
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Quick draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost.
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Mulching around plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
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Pinching off lead shoots to encourage bushy growth habit.
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Deadheading spent blooms to extend flowering period.
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Staking tall varieties if necessary.
Meeting these growing needs after transplanting ensures marigolds grow vigorously and flower prolifically.
Troubleshooting Marigold Transplant Problems
Even when planted at the ideal time, problems can pop up. Here are some potential issues and fixes:
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Leggy, weak growth – Caused by low light indoors. Move seedlings or use grow lights.
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Wilting, lack of new growth – Transplanted before soil warmed. Use cloches if early planting is unavoidable.
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Poor flowering – Extreme summer heat causes bloom decline. Choose heat tolerant varieties.
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Pests – Aphids, mites, caterpillars, etc. Practice prevention and control promptly.
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Diseases – Damping off, mildew, blights. Improve air flow and avoid wet leaves.
Get an Abundant Marigold Display
With the right timing and attentive care when starting seeds indoors and transplanting outside, homegrown marigold seedlings will reward you with vigorous, floriferous plants. Follow the tips above for transplanting marigold seedlings at the ideal time for a spectacular flower display all season long. The extra effort of indoor seed starting pays off with earlier blooms and extended color in beds, borders, containers and more.
When & Where to Plant Marigolds
Light: Full sun, to partial shade.
Soil: Marigolds prefer fertile soil, preferably loose and loamy with adequate drainage, yet can also tolerate dry conditions.
Spacing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1-inch apart, or in seed trays to transplant with root system is established. For shorter varieties, plant 8 inches apart, or 10-12 inches apart for the larger African types. Be sure leave enough room for plants to grow with enough air circulation.
Planting: Start seeds indoors, 4- 6 weeks before frost-free date. Place in a sunny window, and then transplant seedlings into the garden when danger of frost is past. Sow directly in the garden after danger of frost. Can be planted throughout the summer for a succession of blooms.
How to Grow Marigolds Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: Marigolds are compact growing, and will not sprawl, as many other annuals are prone to do. Keep spent blossoms and stems are pruned to encourage bushier growth.
Staking: Shorter varieties require no staking. Taller, cut flower types may benefit from staking to avoid falling over in strong wind.
Watering: Marigolds prefer the soil to dry out in between watering; yet can also be finicky if their leaves are wet. Plan to water at the base of the plant, and keep soil moist, yet not overly wet.
Fertilizing: Plant in nutrient rich soil, and fertilize, as needed. Too much fertilizer will stimulate lush foliage, at the expense of flowers.
Trimming & Pruning: Marigolds do not require as much deadheading as other annuals, although removing dead blossoms and stems will encourage new growth, and improve overall appearance.
Mulching: Mulch can be added around young plants to keep away weeds, and to provide moisture to the roots.
Transplanting Marigold Seedlings
FAQ
How tall should marigold seedlings be before transplanting?
When the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly into the garden.
Do marigolds transplant well?
Dividing & Transplanting: Marigolds grow from a single stem, and are not usually divided during the growing season. Young plants transplant easily, once a strong root system is established. Pests/Disease: Marigolds are relatively pest free, and often used as a natural repellant for other garden plants.
How big should my seedlings be before transplanting?
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Height:Aim for seedlings that are 2-3 inches tall.
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True Leaves:Look for the development of at least two sets of true leaves (not the initial cotyledons).
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Root System:The seedling should have a well-developed root system that can hold the soil together when gently pulled from the tray.
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Signs of Readiness:Other indicators include roots emerging from the bottom of the container or the plants becoming crowded in their current tray.
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Timing:Transplanting too early can lead to shock and stunted growth, while waiting too long can result in root-bound plants.
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Hardening off:Before transplanting outdoors, “harden off” your seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions.