French Marigold - Del Sol

300 seeds

🗓️ When to Sow

• Indoors: Start 4–6 weeks before your last frost date.

• Outdoors: Sow directly after the last frost, once soil is warm (at least 15°C / 60°F).

🌱 How to Sow Indoors

1. Prepare Containers

   • Use seed trays or small pots with light, well-draining seed-starting mix.

2. Sow the Seeds

   • Depth: ¼ inch (6 mm).

   • Cover lightly with soil and press gently.

3. Water Gently

   • Mist or water lightly to moisten the soil.

   • Keep consistently moist but not soggy.

4. Warmth & Light

   • Germination temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C).

   • Provide bright light or grow lights for 12–14 hours per day.

5. Germination Time

   • 5–10 days, sometimes sooner in warm conditions.

🌿 After Germination

• Transplant to larger pots when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.

• Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before planting outside.

🌸 Outdoor Planting

• Timing: After danger of frost has passed.

• Light: Full sun (6+ hours daily).

• Spacing: 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) apart, depending on desired density.

• Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile. Avoid high nitrogen — too much promotes leafy growth over flowers.

🌼 Growing Notes

• Water regularly but let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

• Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages continuous flowering.

• Drought-tolerant once established, but best flowering occurs with regular watering.

• Flowers attract pollinators and deter aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes — great companion plant.