Boy-O Mix Marigold Seeds

One of the most popular marigolds ever introduced, the Boy varieties provide excellent performance in the garden. Bright blooms are 1-2" across on free flowering 8-10" plants. Package (50 seeds).

Tips on How to Grow Marigold Seeds

Germination
Optimum conditions for seedling development that begins the day the crop is sown until cotyledon expansion.
Expect radicle emergence 3 � 8 days.
Cover: Seeds may be covered with a thin layer of medium vermiculite to maintain moisture levels.
Media: � pH: 6.2 � 6.5. pH levels <6.0 may induce iron, manganese or sodium toxicity in Marigolds. Symptoms are exhibited on the lower leaves. Marigolds can be used as an indicator plant for low pH.

Light: Light is not necessary for germination. If utilizing a chamber, providing a light source of 10 � 100 foot candles will improve germination Dramatically compared to seed germinated in the dark.

Moisture: Saturated for days 1 � 3 or until radicle emergence. On days 4 � 7 reduce moisture to moist . Once actively growing, begin alternating between moisture levels wet and medium . Allow media to approach dry before re-saturating to level .

Humidity: 100% until radicle emergence then reduce to 40%. Dehumidify: Provide horizontal airflow to aid in drying down the media through evapotranspiration, allowing better penetration of oxygen to the roots.

Temperature: 72� � 75�F (22� � 24�C)
Average Daily Temperature (ADT): 67�F (19�C)
Finish Bulking/Flower Initiation � Optimum conditions during the vegetative period, beginning at transplant, needed for the root to reach the edge of the container; AND to make the plant receptive to flower initiation.

Media: � pH: 6.2 � 6.5 Marigolds can be used as an indicator plant for low pH conditions. Typical symptoms of low pH <6.0 include yellowing of lower leaves, or browning/burning of leaf edges.

Light: Provide 3500 � 4500 foot candles to hasten flower induction. Supplemental lighting under low light conditions at 350 � 450 foot candles will enhance shoot and root growth.

Temperature: 55� � 65�F (13� � 18�C) nights, 65� � 70�F (18� � 23�C) days.
Heat stress will encourage flower heads to be reduced in size. New growth will appear �bleached� when temperatures are too cool in early Spring. Plants will �green up� once night temperatures are increased.

Average Daily Temperature 67�F (19�C)
Humidity: 40 � 70%
Dehumidify: Provide horizontal airflow to aid in drying down the media through evapotranspiration, allowing better penetration of oxygen to the roots.
Light: Full sun.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10.