We can remember when we were kids and got attracted by Marigold flower’s vivid looks and fragrance. Marigold flowers are famous for their vibrant color and exquisite looks. People love to keep this flower in their favorite garden for its strong fragrance and fascinating glance. Marigold seeds are large and easy to handle and we don’t have to wait long for them to germinate. Growing marigold from seed is an easy way to add extra annuals to your gardens.
Before the spring frost, we sow its seeds in our garden but get worried when they are not germinating, even waiting for 2-3 weeks. So why are my marigold seeds not germinating? Well, the problems could be many including the temperature, improper watering, and the seeds were not good at all. We are going to bring all these things that are the main hindrance to germinating seeds. Let’s dive into it.
Key Takeaways
- Marigold flowers are easy to grow and require only minimal maintenance but it takes patience because the seeds take a few weeks to germinate.
- From the quality of seeds to the condition of the soil, all of these are parts of the reason why your marigold seed is not germinating properly.
- After it has germinated, you need to water the marigold plant carefully and provide adequate light and airflow for it to grow properly.
- There might be a lot of different species of marigolds out there but among them French, African, and Signet marigolds are the easiest to grow.
10 Reasons Why They Are Not Germinating
Though there are many reasons why your marigold’s seeds are not germinating. We are just bringing up the main causes.
1. Quality was not good
There is a saying that quality brings beauty. Many times we purchase the lowest seeds available in the market. As a result, we get the worst one. It is important to purchase seeds from a reputable seed bank, grower, or vendor with high-quality genetics. As we know there are lots of varieties of marigold seeds quality. We need to make sure we bought the good one.
Before purchasing seeds, take a guarantee from the vendor that they will be germinated with high success rates. And take the full planting instructions in premium packaging, which can be reused.
2. Seeds were dormant
When seeds do not germinate despite excellent growing conditions that are called seed dormancy. Marigolds are spring-blooming plants, that are auto-tuned to germinate only after the winter chill pass.
A common way to break seed dormancy is by subjecting them to what’s called stratification. Stratification imitates winter conditions by exposing the seed to become to cool temperatures and most soils for a period of time before planting them outside in the spring season.
3. Seeds were stored incorrectly
Seeds are not germinating which means they aren’t viable anymore. Unfortunately, seeds lose their viability if not properly stored. If your seeds were preserved in an area where the temperatures were too high or too low, they could lose their viability. When transported to your home, they may have been exposed to extreme temperatures or other environmental risks.
If you store seeds from marigold flowers at home, then you should lay them out for a day or so to dry. Storing marigold seeds will be best in a paper envelope so any additional moisture can escape.
4. Planting seeds too soon or too late
Marigold seeds need to plant in the spring, after the last frost. Seeds planted outside too soon will not germinate due to time. If you wait too long to plant to seeds, they may germinate in hot conditions and die of stress. Again, if you plant seeds too early in the spring, the seed’s root may die off quickly before germination.
Although marigold seeds vary by their types all types of marigold plantation methods are close. Especially when you have an intention for planting the French marigolds then start planting four to six weeks before the end of winter.
5. Seeds are too old
it is important to realize that everything has an expiry date, and so do seeds. It could be possible that the seeds you are to germinate are simply too old. Remember marigold’s seeds are only viable for a certain period, and sometimes some will lose their viability more speedily than others. They lose viability at a quicker pace. So, that means you need to plant your seeds in time.
By collecting or buying fresh seeds every year you can get viable seeds. Before buying them from the store check the seed packets, and look for the date on them. We don’t recommend you to follow the deadline, some seeds may still germinate after the date given. But sowing seeds after this date may lead to lower-rated germination.
If you’re collecting your own seed, make sure to mark containers or envelop with the date when you collected them.
6. Planted incorrectly
Many times placing seeds also affect the germination process. It is more often critical to make sure the seeds are planted at the correct depth. Marigolds seeds are wide and large, they should be placed deeper and those which are smaller should be planted towards the surface so that they can germinate with the help of light.
There is another issue, called overcrowding which can result in various nutritional issues. Ensure that there aren’t too many plants fighting for the same limited space. If you have a container, the soil in the pots might become overly compact, preventing the seeds from forming healthy roots and sprouting.
7. Hampered by pests, animals, and diseases
Sometimes insects, rodents, and other animals can lead havoc in our garden, destroying seeds. Pests and other bugs won’t necessarily kill your seeds, but they can feast on tender seedlings before they’ve had a proper chance to reveal, making it seems your seeds failed to germinate. Plant pathogens are one kind of disease that can cause havoc in your garden, making it hard for them to grow and thrive.
First explore what kind of pests or animals wreaking havoc on your garden then take preemptive measures, such as traps, sprays, or other control methods. To prevent disease, ensure using sterile soil and that all your containers are neat and clean before you use them.
8. Overwatering
You may have heard that “everything has a limitation”. When you plant seeds make sure to provide enough water but not over water. Enough water keeps the seeds moist, which is essential. The most common reason for poor, spotty, or non-existent germination is overwatering. Generally, marigolds need to water regularly but that doesn’t mean you have to water it frequently every day. Overwatering can result in waterlogging and compaction.
To avoid waterlogging and compaction water your flower routinely, neither too much nor too less.
9. Temperatures
planting seeds indoors and outdoors are not the same, they demand different temperatures. While you planting indoors, many seeds will fail to germinate above around 900-950 degrees f. If they experience temperatures more than this scale, then that may be the reason for the poor or non-existent germination.
If you are planting marigolds seeds outdoors, check that there are no overheating sources causing problems in the vicinity of your seed-growing area. For marigolds seeds, too much hot or too much cold temperatures could be the problem.
10. Fertile soil
The marigold flower has a low pH level; they demand high-pH soil to grow rapidly. Soil carrying a pH between 7.0-7.5 with good aeration and drainage is considered ideal for marigolds seeds. Marigold seeds fit for moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Soil that is overly cloddy, loose, fine, and sandy is titled as poor quality and this type of soil does harm to the seeds.
Soil compaction can be a real issue for gardeners. When the soil is compacted, it turns dense and hard, which makes it difficult for air and water to reach the roots of plants. This deficiency of oxygen and water can prevent seed germination.
These above reasons are considered to be the main obstacles in the germination process. If we can overcome these phases, then the germination process will be more easy and good.
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What to Do After Seed Germination?
When we see the seeds start to break through the soil and show signs of life, we get so much happy, don’t we? However, germination is only the beginning of flower plants. There are still lots of things that give the plant proper shape and beauty. After germination, your seedlings will need good air circulation and light.
- Remove Covering: Remove the cover, if you used one. While planting outdoors many of us cover the soil to protect against insects or other animals. However, be sure to remove the covering after your seeds sprout. This way, the seedlings can get the appropriate light they need to grow.
- Light: Obviously your seedlings will need light. After seedlings go outside, they are in need of proper light from the sun to ensure proper growth. If you are planting Marigold inside, then provide it with enough lights. Otherwise, those seeds will not grow perfectly. Remember, after seed sprouts into a seedling, it will need light for photosynthesis to produce energy and continue growing.
- Water: Your seedlings might need to be watered if the soil looks lighter or the soil pulls away from the edge of the cell. But make sure that your seedlings aren’t sitting in water, otherwise, issues will occur like rotting, fungus, and soil gnats.
- Airflow: Natural airflow is mandatory for flower seeds. Seedlings become healthier and more sturdy if air flows above and around them.
Marigold Seeds That Germinate Quickly
This versatile Mediterranean flower has more than 50 species. Generally, there are three main types of Marigolds: French, African, and Signet. Among them, French Marigolds are one of the most common varieties. Their seeds can easily germinate, although it depends on your environment and the region you are living in. French Marigolds grow in full sun and thrive in summer. Their seeds can tolerate wet conditions than African marigolds.
French Marigold plants should be planted deeper than other marigolds. If it’s in a container the space would be 9 to 18 inches apart. Their seeds need a warm area of about 70°F to 75°F to germinate.
FAQs
Generally, marigolds seeds take around 4-10 days. If the seeds are taken care of properly then it won’t take a long time.
It is the light that improves their growth. Proper watering also plays a big role.
Cover the seeds with only a very thin layer of soil, remember not thicker than 1/16 inch. Water the seeded area with a watering can or spray bottle and keep the soil always moist.
Lack of oxygen, water, and light these things are the main reason to prevent a seed from germinating. Besides storing seeds inappropriately and seeds that are too old, these are also responsible to hamper the germination process.
Nitrogen oxides help to stimulate seed germination. Also Gibberellic acid is a natural plant hormone that is used to speed up the germination of flower seeds.
Final Thoughts
Marigold flower seeds are a popular choice for some flower enthusiastic. This cheerful flower always gives us vibrancy and refreshes our minds. Planting its seeds in the proper way and taking care of them can introduce us to some blooming Marigold flowers. We hope that from this above information, you will get your solution and we would like to see you with your blossom Marigolds.
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