Nelesa Gardening African Marigold Crackjack Inca Mix Seed – 50 Seeds Pack

Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any debris. You can also amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Sowing Seeds Indoors: Fill seed trays or pots with seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix before sowing the seeds. Sow one seed per container, pressing it gently into the soil surface. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Germination and Growing Conditions: African Marigold seeds germinate best in temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Place the seed trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 4-14 days. Transplanting Seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant them to the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Outdoor Planting: Choose a sunny location in the garden with well-draining soil. Space the African Marigold seedlings 8-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the seedling in the hole, and cover the roots with soil. Gently firm the soil around the plant. Watering and Maintenance: Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until they establish. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilization: African Marigolds are not heavy feeders. Incorporating compost into the soil before planting is usually sufficient. If needed, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season following the package instructions. Deadheading and Pruning: Remove spent flowers regularly (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming.