French marigold 'Dandy Stripe'

150 Seeds

Seeding French Marigold 'Dandy Stripe' is easy and rewarding. This variety is known for its bright, bi-colored flowers, usually yellow with red or maroon stripes, and compact, bushy habit—perfect for borders, containers, and companion planting.

Here’s how to sow them successfully:

🌼 French Marigold 'Dandy Stripe' – Seeding Guide

✅ Quick Overview

• Type: Annual

• Height: ~20–30 cm (8–12 in)

• Bloom Time: Early summer to first frost

• Ideal for: Flower beds, borders, containers, and vegetable gardens (as pest deterrent)

🌱 Step-by-Step Seeding Instructions

1. When to Sow

• Indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost

• Outdoors (direct sow): After all danger of frost has passed

2. Seed Starting Indoors

• Container: Use seed trays or small pots

• Soil: Light, well-draining seed starting mix

• Sowing Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ inch)

• Spacing: Sow thinly; you can thin or transplant later

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal for germination: 21–24°C (70–75°F)

• Time to germinate: 5–14 days

💧 Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist (not wet)

• Use a spray bottle or gentle watering to avoid disturbing seeds

3. After Germination

• Move to a brighter spot or under grow lights

• Thin or transplant to individual pots once they have 2–3 true leaves

4. Hardening Off & Transplanting

• Begin hardening off 7–10 days before planting outdoors

• Transplant when all danger of frost is gone

🌿 Spacing Outdoors

• 15–25 cm (6–10 inches) between plants

• Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil

🌞 Growing Tips

• Deadhead regularly to extend blooming

• Water regularly, but don’t overwater—marigolds tolerate drought

• Companion planting: Excellent near tomatoes, beans, and squash to deter nematodes and aphids