Sparky Mix Marigolds have medium-sized flowers with wavy petals in fiery hues of yellow, gold, orange, or red. This mixture is great for garden borders or containers because of its petite size. Sparky Mix marigolds are so easy to grow that they are the perfect choice for a child’s first garden!
Pro tip: try planting marigolds in your veggie garden to help attract beneficial insects while also controlling insect pests.
Start Marigold seeds indoors eight weeks before the last frost. Place the seeds 1 inch apart in the soil, and press them down firmly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (no thicker than 1 inch). Once seedlings appear, move to a warm and sunny indoor location. Once seedlings have true sets of leaves and all danger of frost passes, transplant outside directly in a garden bed or container that receives full sun.
If direct sowing in the garden, place the seeds 10–12 inches apart in the soil, and press them down firmly. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (no thicker than 1 inch). Only water marigolds when dry weather persists for more than two weeks. If growing in containers, water daily. Feed marigolds with a slow-release fertilizer, but do not overfeed because this can decrease the number of blooms on your plant (follow package instructions when applying fertilizer).
Wait until flowers petals have dried out, then pick off dried flower heads and place them on a paper towel or plate. Separate out dried flower petals, leaving only the seed pods (hold seed pod between your thumb and index finger, gently pinch off faded petals). Open the seed pod to release seeds. Spread seeds on a paper towel and allow them to dry fully (up to one week). Store dry seeds in a cool, dark place for up to two years.