African Marigold 'Dwarf Snowstorm'

20 Seeds

How to Seed African Marigold ‘Dwarf Snowstorm’ (Tagetes erecta)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when the weather is mild (15–28°C / 59–82°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for transplanting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing from May to September, as Gulf summer heat severely affects germination and flowering.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist, well-drained soil.
   Cover lightly with soil and water gently after sowing.

3. Soil:
   Prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soil enriched with compost.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid heavy clay or saline soil.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).

   • Requires full sun for compact plants and abundant blooms.

   • In the Gulf, morning sun and light afternoon shade are ideal to prevent leaf scorching.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings reach 8–10 cm tall, transplant them carefully to their final spot.

   • Space plants 25–30 cm apart for bushy growth and good air circulation.

   • Handle roots gently, as marigolds establish quickly once planted.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full sun, but partial shade helps during peak heat.

   • Watering: Water regularly but moderately; avoid waterlogging. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.

   • Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to promote continuous flowering.

   • Maintenance: Remove spent blooms (deadhead) to extend the flowering season and encourage more buds.

   • The ‘Dwarf Snowstorm’ variety produces compact, bushy plants with large creamy-white to pale lemon blooms, ideal for borders, pots, and landscape edging.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in the Gulf region.