Marigolds, black shaves, lights - this is what the people call tagetes. The culture is distinguished by its rapid growth and unpretentious care, and therefore enjoys considerable popularity. About when to sow marigolds for seedlings and how to do it correctly will be discussed in the article.
When to sow marigolds for seedlings
Seedlings of marigolds
How to determine when to plant
Marigold seeds
Experienced flower growers are guided by the lunar calendar, the characteristics of the selected variety, the climatic features of the region when planting marigolds. The exact day of planting seeds is calculated taking into account the desired flowering time.
Transplanting into open ground is carried out 30, 60 days after the emergence of sprouts - by this day the soil should warm up enough, and the temperature should not drop below 15 degrees at night. It is also necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the development of some varieties.
There are 53 types of marigolds, divided into 3 groups:
- rejected;
- thin-leaved;
- upright.
The first, the most common, are not demanding on the ground. Flowering begins even with a lack of soil, so they are often grown as a houseplant. The first flowers appear in June, the last bloom in September-October, peak in August.
Thin-leaved plants grow on roadsides, easily carrying dusty air, exhaust gases, poor, hard soil. They are not demanding to care for, so they are often found on city flower beds, open balconies. Thin-leaved marigolds bloom from June to the first frost. Temperature below +10 stops the growth and development of the plant.
Erect black shaves grow up to 110 cm. Most often, varieties are grown for cutting, flowers in a vase stand for a long time. Flowering is long, extended - from July to October, marigolds will delight the eye.
Characteristics of the species
Tagetes belong to the genus of annuals, less often perennials, and to the Asteraceae family. Currently, there are about five dozen species. According to legend, the name originates from the name of the Roman god Jupiter (Tages), who was known for the beauty and wisdom of a seer.
Introduced to Europe only in the 16th century. In the wild, it grows freely in Central and South America.
If you forget about the beauty of this plant for a couple of minutes, then you can feel its tart, specific aroma, which indicates the phytoncidal properties of marigolds. In the Caucasus, tagetes is called "Imeretian saffron" and is widely used in their cuisine as a spice. But the first place in the field of application of marigolds is still the cultivation of marigolds in flower arrangements.
In total, there are three types of tagetes:
- Thin-leaved, or Mexican.
They have been used since the end of the 18th century. They are mainly used to create low border strips, in flower beds and ridges. Planting in flowerpots or curtains is possible.
The plant is highly branching, but forms a dense compact bush, reaching a height of 25 cm. The leaves are pinnately dissected, thin. The diameter of the inflorescences does not exceed 1.5 cm. Flowers are simple, painted in one or two colors. Most often yellow or orange;
- Rejected, or small-flowered. French marigolds.
The first mentions date back to the beginning of the 16th century.
Branches strongly, forming a compact or sprawling bush. Dark green or light green alternate or opposite leaves are pinnately dissected.Inflorescences of three types: double, simple or semi-double. Colors: bright yellow, red-brown, yellow-brown.
By height are subdivided as follows
- Dwarf (up to 25 cm);
- Low-growing (no more than 40 cm);
- Medium (up to half a meter);
- High (maximum reaching 60 cm);
- Erect, or large-flowered. African marigolds.
The maximum height is 1 m. The leaves are larger than those of the previous species, unpaired, pinnately dissected. The inflorescence consists of a cuff and a pad (ligulate flowers and tubular). Painted exclusively in one color.
Depending on the height, they are divided into:
- Low-growing (up to 45 cm);
- Medium height (no more than 60 cm);
- High (their height is no more than 90 cm);
- Giant (above 90 cm).
When to sow marigolds for seedlings in 2020 according to the lunar calendar?
Lunar calendar for 2020
The phases of the celestial body positively, negatively affect the strength of plants, the rate of growth, development, therefore, experienced flower growers must calculate favorable, unfavorable days for planting seeds, diving, pruning, transplanting and other actions. Marigolds planted on a full moon, new moon grow poorly.
The main problems in growing
When growing black-haired flowers, a novice florist may encounter some problems. Among them, you can see the following:
- Lack of watering. Threatens a slowdown in plant growth, negatively affects the size of inflorescences.
- An excess of moisture against the background of an increased temperature regime, as well as the use of organic fertilizer as a supplementary feed in spring, threatens with an increase in green mass, weak flowering.
- Prolonged waterlogging of the soil threatens with fungal infection of plants, rotting of roots, death of flowers. The problem is provoked not only by illiterate watering, but also by a rainy summer. In case of prolonged rains, decaying inflorescences should be removed immediately to avoid rotting of the entire plant.
Growing velvet flowers in a seedling way is simple and gives good results. It is enough to follow the rules and follow the recommendations of experienced flower growers in order to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting flowering of a flower bed with black shaves.
Favorable days for sowing marigolds in 2020, depending on the month
The numbers that are good for planting change every month, so you need to check the phases of the celestial body more often to achieve the best result. Auspicious days for planting flowering plants in 2020 are:
- May - 3-6, 25-26, 30.
- April - 1-2, 6-7, 28, 29.
- March - 2-3, 27-28, 30, 31.
- February - 2-3, 6-7, 24, 25.
- January - 1, 5-6, 8-9, 23-24, 28, 29.
ATTENTION... Violation of the timing of sowing seeds provokes a rapid increase in the incidence among marigolds.
Plant varieties
In nature, there are many different varieties of marigolds, they all have their own individual differences, but they are all equally beautiful. Consider the most basic varieties of marigolds.
Antigua
The appearance of this plant resembles a small bush. The number of inflorescences is usually very large, most often they are yellow and do not exceed 9 cm in diameter.
Yellow stone
This is a rather tall plant, compared to its relatives, reaching a height of 65 cm.Inexperienced growers may well confuse this flower with chrysanthemums.
Gold dollar
This flower does not exude such a scent during flowering as others, but the appearance of the bud is mesmerizing with its rich colors and impressive size.
Golden light
This variety of marigolds is considered late, its flowering occurs at the end of summer, but it can continue almost to sub-zero temperatures. The color of the buds is most often orange.
Lemon Prince
It is a tall, bushy flower that can bloom from early summer to mid-October.The color of the buds is bright yellow.
Orange flame
This is one of the few plant varieties, the inflorescence of which has two colors: a light orange center and a bright red border.
When to plant depending on the region?
Seed preparation
Standard weather conditions, climatic features of the region must be taken into account when breeding thermophilic plants. Seedlings should be transplanted into open ground after warming up the air, earth, minimizing the return of frost.
The recommended minimum temperature at night is +7 degrees. Forecasts of forecasters should be monitored daily to avoid surprises. Growing by region:
- Moscow, the region surrounding the city, the middle zone of the Russian Federation. It is recommended to sow in the second decade of March, transplant into open ground - in the first days of May. A mandatory requirement is 45 days from the appearance of the first shoots. For May flowers, seeds should be germinated in early February.
- Siberia, the Urals, the Leningrad region, the Far East region. Frequent night frosts significantly shift the sowing calendar. It is recommended to plant seeds in the last days of March.
- Southern regions. Seeds are sown in open ground in the second half of March until the end of April. The lunar calendar and weather conditions will help to more accurately determine the time of sowing.
According to the phases of the moon, the dates of planting seeds by region are as follows:
- Siberia - April 6-17.
- Ural - April 6-17.
- Leningrad Region - March 19, 20, 23, 28, April 6-17.
- Far East - April 6-17.
- Altai Territory - 14-20, 23, 28 March, 6-12 April.
- South of Russia - 7-8, 12-16, February 28, 1-2, 8, 12, 14-20, 23, 28 March.
- Ukraine - 12, 14-20, 23, 28 March, 6-17 April.
- The middle zone of Russia is 12, 14-20, 23, 28 March, 6-17 April.
REFERENCE... If weather conditions prevent the timely planting of Tagetes seeds, and flowering is needed early, it is recommended to create additional conditions by covering the crops with film, agrofibre, and other dense material.
Plant diseases
In its composition, marigolds contain a substance such as phytoncid, which serves as a kind of immunity for a flower. However, in spite of this, excessive watering can cause the appearance of such a disease as gray rot. In addition to her, if you care for the plant irresponsibly, the flower can attack the spider mite. To get rid of the spiderweb flare, you need to treat the flowers with Fitoverma solution.
Experienced growers recommend not planting plants very densely, as this reduces the risk of diseases and parasites.
Planting marigold seeds step by step
Step-by-step process of planting seed:
- Soil preparation, disinfection, fertilization.
- Filling containers halfway.
- Pouring seeds onto a white sheet of paper.
- Making holes 1 cm deep with a pencil, stick with a step of 3-4 cm.
- Throwing 1 seed per hole (in a glass, peat tablets 2 each).
- Falling asleep with soil, slight pressure.
- Humidification with warm water from a spray bottle.
- Covering with foil, placing in a warm place.
- Daily airing of crops, moving the film back for 10-20 minutes.
How to care for marigold seedlings, what are the tricks?
Blackshaves are susceptible to black leg disease, which develops with excess moisture, therefore, when caring for tagetes, waterlogging of the soil should be avoided. Rainy weather is a signal to stop irrigation in order to avoid waterlogging of the soil. Loosening of the upper layer of the earth should be more frequent to free the access of oxygen to the root system.
The introduction of nitrogen-containing fertilizers that provoke increased growth of green mass, shoots that reduce the number of flowers and make them smaller is prohibited. Overgrown Tagetes bushes should be cut off. A small number of pests will clean up a weekly shower, a large number of insecticides.
Marigold seeds have sprouted, what to do next?
Sowing material in 4-7 days will delight the first shoots.The appearance of sprouts is a signal to remove the film and rearrange the tanks to a lighter place. Seedlings of marigolds are unpretentious, easily tolerate a lack of moisture.
It is better to water with settled water at room temperature as the soil dries out. The recommended temperature during the day is above +18, at night up to +15 degrees. Some varieties can withstand up to +12 degrees - the data must be indicated on the package.
How to feed marigold seedlings
It is recommended to feed the sprouts lagging behind in development:
- Agricole;
- Fertiki;
- "Solution".
Fertilizer should be applied no earlier than 15 days from the appearance of the first shoots. Regular feeding will help speed up the development of seedlings. The frequency of the operation is 14 days. After any manipulations with tagetes (diving, transplanting), you should refuse to fertilize the soil for 2 weeks.
How to dive marigolds
Plant transplanting begins when 2 full leaves have appeared. Thoroughly disinfect new containers, pour a third of the earth on the bottom. With a teaspoon or a special spatula, gently pry the plant, avoiding grazing adjacent roots. Be sure to remove it from the ground. Place the seedlings in a new container, deepening to the base of the leaves, but they should not come into contact with the soil.
You can dive seedlings into the seedling box even at the flowering stage. A prerequisite is the preservation of the root coma. The land should be similar to the previous one. Add a tablespoon of mineral fertilizers to each hole and distribute half a glass of wood ash evenly for every 5 liters of soil.
REFERENCE. It is recommended to shorten a long root system.
Pests and the fight against them
Due to its natural properties, the plant not only protects itself from various infectious diseases, but also covers the surrounding area with special essential oils (expressed by a specific smell), which has antiseptic properties. Using this property, gardeners and gardeners plant marigolds next to vegetable beds and greenhouses, or in combination with other flowers.
Slugs and snails
To combat them, you can use special preparations that are purchased in stores, or use an old recipe: sprinkle the edges of the garden bed, if possible, the entire bed, with dry ash. Having previously collected all the snails and slugs from the beds.
Spider mite
When a spider mite appears, it is best to eliminate the plants immediately in order to prevent the spread of the disease to other bushes; for the prevention of the disease, in addition to special preparations, you can use folk recipes, for example, a mixture of yarrow with onion infusion.
Gray rot
This disease most often appears in wet weather, when morning fog sets in and the earth does not have time to dry out. If this disease is detected, the plants must be removed and burned. the place must be treated with potassium permanganate, or spilled with boiling water, otherwise there will be a risk of infecting all plants and not only marigolds.
When to plant seedlings outdoors?
Marigolds can die from frost, so the transplant is carried out after the temperature has returned to normal. It is recommended to closely monitor forecasts of weather forecasters in order to avoid freezing of marigolds, which will lead to death. Residents of the southern regions begin planting seedlings in mid-May, northern ones - at the end of June.
Description
Marigolds are beautiful flowers that will delight you with colorful colors: yellow, red, orange, white, multicolored. Plants begin to bloom in mid-summer, and the last flowers appear almost at the end of autumn. It should be noted the unpretentiousness of the flower and the ease of caring for them.Every gardener (even a beginner in this art) can easily and quickly grow a plant both at home (for example, at home in a pot on a windowsill or on a balcony), and in a garden plot or cottage.
Marigolds are diverse not only in color, but also in size. There are specimens that are surprising in their miniature size (bushes are no more than 20-25 centimeters in height), and huge varieties, the height of which can even reach 1.5 meters.
Frequently asked questions
Experienced gardeners are happy to help amateurs. The most frequently asked questions with clear answers are listed below.
What to buy soil for growing seedlings?
Potting mix for decorative flowering crops is sold in stores, but you can make it yourself. compulsory soil preparation procedure - disinfection. For these purposes, the soil mixture is spilled with boiling water, manganese solution to eliminate weed seeds.
For self-preparation of the soil you will need:
- humus 1 part;
- peat mixture 2 parts;
- coarse sand 1 part.
REFERENCE. Any mixture is recommended to be treated with phyto-preparations to eliminate infections - fungicides. Diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
How can the seeds be stimulated for further growth?
A mandatory procedure for disinfecting seeds is placing them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Soaking the seed for two hours in warm water will significantly increase the germination of marigolds.
Seed growth can be stimulated by germination. For the procedure, natural fabric is moistened with warm water. Seeds are wrapped in a flap, placed on a saucer, wrapped in cellophane, transferred to a warm, dark place. After 3 days, the germinated seed is taken away, the rest is thrown away.
Why don't the seeds germinate?
Poor planting material is the main problem with germination. The lack of sprouts may be due to poor-quality soil. If the containers are not covered with a film, then seedlings may appear after 3 weeks, the same effect should be expected if the temperature regime is not observed.
Why are seeds soaked?
The seed is placed in warm water to "wake up", to increase the percentage of germination. It is important not to overexpose the seeds, otherwise there will be the opposite effect.
How to harden marigold seedlings?
A couple of weeks before the intended planting in open ground, the grown sprouts are taken out into the street. The first two sessions are 5 minutes each, then the time can be gradually increased. A prerequisite is the temperature above +15 degrees.
What to do if marigold seedlings do not grow?
Feeding with Agricol, Fertiki, Solution will help to stimulate the development of Tagetes. An important condition for the full growth of seedlings is temperature and humidity. Failure to comply with the conditions leads to a halt in development.
What do seeds look like, when to pick them and how to store them properly?
In appearance, the seeds of tagetes are elongated and thin sticks of black color, and at the tip they have a light fluff. Their unique appearance prevents confusion with other plant seeds.
To collect seeds, at least 40 days must pass from the moment of their flowering. Seeds of lights are collected from completely dried inflorescenceswhen their stems turn brown. This is done very easily, you just need to cut off the dried flower heads, open them and carefully remove the insides - these are the desired seeds of future marigolds.
It is advisable to cut wilted flowers on a clear day to prevent them from rotting in wet weather. Plants are collected in a bunch and hung upside down in a dry and windless place, and a newspaper is spread under them.
When self-collecting seed, they can give slightly different types of flowers, this is due to cross-pollination. In this way, extraordinary hybrids can be obtained.
The collected material must be sorted out and the remains of the box must be removed. Next, you need to additionally dry the seeds. To do this, we spread the newspaper in a windless and dry place, we spread the seed material on the newspaper. Store tagetes in a dry and dark place, in a cloth bag or paper bag.
Picking
It doesn't matter if you grow seedlings for open ground, or on a windowsill, an intermediate stage before landing will be a pick:
- From the container, the plant is transplanted into cups one at a time.
- Do this when the plant releases true leaves.
- When handling, the tip of the main root can be carefully removed.
- This procedure will make the plant stronger.
Interesting fact!Marigolds perfectly tolerate a transplant at any time, even when they already have flowers.
We are watching a video about diving marigold seedlings:
