French Marigold Queen Sophia

🗓️ When to Sow

• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost.

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

🌱 How to Sow

1. Prepare Soil or Containers
   Use seed trays, small pots, or sow directly into well-prepared garden soil. Use a light, well-draining potting mix if starting indoors.

2. Sow the Seeds

   • Depth: Sow seeds about ¼ inch (6 mm) deep.

   • Spacing (if direct sowing): Space 1–2 inches apart initially, then thin to 8–10 inches later.

3. Water Lightly
   Moisten the soil gently. Keep it consistently damp (not soggy) until germination.

4. Provide Warmth & Light

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

   • Place trays in a warm, bright location or under grow lights.

   • Light is not essential for germination, but give light as soon as seedlings emerge.

5. Germination Time
   Seeds germinate in 5–10 days.

🌿 After Germination

• Once seedlings develop 2–3 sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or thin them if outdoors.

• Before planting outside, harden off seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 5–7 days.

🌸 Outdoor Planting & Care

• Transplant Outdoors: After danger of frost, in full sun.

• Spacing: 8–10 inches apart.

• Soil: Any well-draining soil; marigolds are adaptable but prefer slightly fertile conditions.

• Watering: Water when top inch of soil dries out. Avoid overwatering.

• Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming.

• Pests: Naturally resistant to many pests and can repel nematodes and aphids.