How to Propagate Marigolds? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Propagation Methods

The marigold, which symbolises good fortune, has long been regarded as the flower of respect for the elderly. Native to Mexico, it is not fussy about soil and prefers fertile, well-drained sandy loam. It likes a warm, humid environment with plenty of sunlight. It is mainly propagated from seed, but can also be propagated by cuttings. Let us take a look together below!

Seed Propagation of Marigolds

1. Spring sowing: Sow in an open-air seedbed from late March to early April. Since the seeds are photoblastic, cover them with soil and water after sowing. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 20-25°C. Seedlings emerge about 1 week after sowing, with a germination rate of about 50%. When the seedlings reach 5 cm in height, transplant them once, and when they have grown 7-8 true leaves, plant them out in their final position.

2. Summer sowing: To control plant height, you can also sow in summer. After emergence from summer sowing, the plants can flower in 60 days.

Cutting Propagation of Marigolds

Marigolds can be propagated by cuttings in summer; they root easily and grow into plants quickly. Cut 8-12 cm tender shoots from the mother plant as cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and insert them into the potting soil, placing 3 cuttings per pot. After inserting, water thoroughly and provide slight shade. They can take root after 2 weeks. Then gradually move them into sunlight for routine care, and they can bloom after about 1 month.

Growing Conditions for Marigolds

1. Temperature: The suitable growing temperature for marigolds is 15-25°C, and the suitable temperature during the flowering period is 18-20°C. The relative air humidity of the growing environment should be 60-70%, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 5°C. In summer, when the high temperature exceeds 30°C, the plants grow leggy, the stems and leaves become loose, and they flower less. Below 10°C, growth slows down.

2. Light: Marigolds are light-loving plants. Plenty of sunlight is very beneficial to their growth, making the plants short and sturdy with brilliant flower colours. With insufficient sunlight, the stems and leaves become soft and slender, and the flowers are fewer and smaller.

3. Soil: Marigolds are not fussy about soil and prefer fertile, well-drained sandy loam.