Prior to getting to know the insights on “when can I begin growing marigold seeds in a greenhouse,” it is necessary to get introduced to the basics. Having these seeds that grow into plants in your gardens or greenhouse will add variety to your current collection.
What Are American Marigold Seeds?
Characterized with their tall measurement at up to 36 inches high, the American marigold are tall plants though breeding has produced the shorter heights. Though the annuals are native to the Mexican nation, they are also found in Africa and in the American continent. The flashy annuals are the boldest and biggest among such marigolds.
The American marigolds, though, may depend on the breeding to produce this height. However, they have large, fully double florals in the hues of orange, gold, and yellow.
To grow the American marigold, they must grow well in full sun with well-drained, moist soil, but they may tolerate drier conditions as well. Be sure to have them implanted outdoors soon as the dangers of the frost have gone by. The seedling spaces must be from 10 to 18 inches apart.
How Soon Can You Start Seeds In A Greenhouse?
Starting to have these seeds too early when indoors may cause the seedlings to become leggier and pot bound at the time outdoor planting time arrives. Too late, and the harvest may be delayed. Be sure to plant the seeds that love the warmth, with transplants outside earlier and cold soil with air temperatures that may harm the plants.
To get started, fill your peat pots or flowerpots with the moist seed starters. Plant your seeds based on the directions on the packets, as what many instructional guides will indicate. The number of seeds must be from two to three seeds at a depth of ½ inch. Ensure that you cover seeds with soil and mist this with water.
When Should I Start Seeds In Massachusetts?
Massachusetts, The Bay State, is one that is endowed with lands ideal for gardening, but when you are using greenhouses, there are several sources for the seeds in the state. In several areas of the state, the final frost date is around the 15th of May.
Count the number of weeks from each vegetable to get transplanted in your garden. This will tell you when you should begin the seeds indoors. Seeds of the root crops must be sown directly in the garden.
The time depends on the seeds you have. To get started with the American marigold seeds, follow these steps.
- Moisten the potting soil slightly. Place the potting mix in a water bucket, adding water to moisten. Mix this up.
- Loosely fill the containers to get level with your soil. Avoid packing this down.
- Plant larger seeds such as cucumber or muskmelon into your container where you will grow the seeds.
- Then, press three seeds ¼ inches in-depth into the potting mix, covering this with the potting mix.
- Smaller seeds like peppers and lettuce must be seeded in rows, before transplanted or thinned, as well as directly seeded.
- Water lightly with water that’s warm. Be sure that you manage the upkeep of the plants.
How Do You Start Seeds In A Small Greenhouse?
Then, it is also important to get to know how you can start seeds in a small greenhouse, as part of the discussion on “When can I start growing American marigold seeds in Massachusetts in a greenhouse?”
Initially, what is a mini greenhouse? These are smaller compared to the rest of the greenhouses in the market. Mini greenhouses may vary in size between two square meters to about eight square meters, and they are very instrumental, especially with your limited space to grow, for instance, in the backyard.
Such greenhouses also let you extend the season for growing beyond the usual timeframe. It generally protects your seedling when the ambient temperature changes, and drops below sub-zero. The greenhouse may also conserve the heat, allowing your soil to stay hydrated, and thus, protecting the gardening from pests and other animals.
It also tempers or regulates the weed to grow in the garden. The benefits of these greenhouses are plenty, returning the prices you are paying for.
- To get started planting your seeds in the small greenhouse, for example, your American marigold seeds in Massachusetts, fill your greenhouse planting tray or pots depending on the instructions set on the potting mix. Then, fill the tray with an inch of lukewarm water as you set the tray inside.
- Let the soil absorb moisture for 30 minutes, or until the soil’s surface is moist, before you empty the excess water from your drip trays.
- Next up, sow your plant seeds in a prepared mix at the depth that the package specified. Then, plant two seeds per pot or the planting cell, as you sow the seeds around an inch apart and set them an inch apart in your flats and trays. Mist the surface of the soil with water to moisten after planting, whenever needed.
- Set your greenhouse cover right on top of the tray. Place the greenhouse over to a location that receives indirect, as well as bright sunlight, where temperatures are from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The cover must be able to retain soil moisture, so it does not require watering until after germination.
- After this, prop open your greenhouse cover after your seeds start to sprout to let condensation to dissipate. Use your small stick or pencil to hold an end of the cover-up.
- Water your seedlings once the surface of the soil dries up. Pour water into the drip tray, so your soil soaks the moisture from below, and your seedling leaves do not turn wet, leading toward fungal disease. Remove the cover of the greenhouse completely before seedlings grow tall enough to touch on the plastic.
Time Of The Year To Plant Marigolds
The right timing, even when cultivating American marigold seeds, should be necessary to know. The farmer may be able to plant marigold seeds directly outdoors during the spring after the frost danger has passed for your area or when the seeds indoors start to grow about eight weeks after the final frost.
The seeds may usually germinate within four to 14 days in soil temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also begin transplanting your seedlings once the frost danger has passed. The marigolds may bloom 45 to 50 days after sowing, as it goes on to bloom until the frost.
If you enjoyed our blog post here, then read further to learn more about gardening basics and details for advanced greenhouse farming. When can I begin growing marigold seeds in a greenhouse should be more possible to answer now.