Marigold Cupid Dwarf

I bought the packet of Marigold Cupid Dwarf Mixed seeds from Twigland Garden Centre. It contains approximately 125 seeds but I just planted 10 seeds for Summer 2016.

Marigold Cupid - a compact dwarf plant with large, softly curled flowers in yellow, gold, and orange.

Source : http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-marigold-seed-heads-66394.html

More than just a pretty flower, marigolds  protect your garden vegetables from unhealthy nematodes that cause deformities and disease. Grown as an annual, marigolds are propagated by sowing seeds in the spring. You can collect the seed heads after the flowers are spent so you have fresh seeds for the following growing season. The process of removing dead flowers from the plant is called deadheading; it is beneficial because it promotes more flowering in the plant. After you harvest the dead seed heads, there are a few things you must do to ensure a healthy production of marigolds next year.

Collecting Seeds

1

Gather the dead seed heads from the marigold plants by cutting them from the plant with pruning shears or scissors. Spread the seed heads on a drying tray and set the tray in a shady area that has good ventilation. Allow the seed heads to dry completely before removing the seeds. This may take anywhere from seven to 10 days.

2

Move the seed heads from the drying tray to a flat work surface. Firmly grip the dried petals of the seed heads and hold the bottom with your other hand. Pull the petals out of the dried receptacle. The parts that look like tiny black carrots are the seeds. Separate the seeds from the rest of the flower parts.

3

Place the seeds in an airtight container and label the container with the date and variety of the marigolds. Store the container in a cool, dark place until six weeks before the growing season starts.

Planting Marigold Seeds

1

Fill a propagation tray with a good quality potting soil. Moisten the soil completely and allow the tray to drain. Make evenly spaced holes about 1 inch apart in the planting medium. Remove the marigold seeds from storage and place two seeds in each hole. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil.

2

Cover the tray with a clear lid or clear plastic film. Set the tray in a warm place that receives bright light. Use a grow light that is suspended about 6 inches above the tray if you do not have a bright window.

3

Remove the tray lid or plastic film after most of the seeds have germinated. Thin the marigold seedlings to one healthy plant per space when the plants have their first set of true leaves.

4

Leave the seedlings in the bright light and do not allow the soil to dry out while the seedlings grow. Avoid wet soil or the seedlings will suffer from stem rot. Rotate the tray every other day to promote even growth among the seedlings.

5

Pinch off the top of the seedlings when the plants have at least four sets of leaves to promote bushy growth. When the marigolds are about 4 to 6 inches tall, start the outdoor acclimation process.

Acclimation and Planting

1

Move the marigolds outdoors in a shady part of the garden for about an hour a day. Increase the amount of time in the garden every few days. Move the flowers into the sun gradually, moving the tray from shade to partial shade and finally into the full sun, as you acclimate the flowers.

2

Water the marigolds from the bottom each morning to avoid sunburn and powdery mildew. Move the plants into the shade at the first sign of stress: wilting, drooping leaves or color change.

3

Plant the marigolds in a prepared garden site that has been tilled to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches and amended with a layer of compost or other organic matter. Space the plants about 8 to 10 inches apart. Increase the spacing by 2 inches if you grow a large variety.