French Marigold Flower Seeds

About French Marigold Flower Seeds

French Marigold (small genda) — India's easiest and most dependable flower; grows in almost every season.

• Botanical name: Tagetes patula
• Care level: Easy
• Expected germination time: 5-8 days under suitable conditions*

How to Grow

1. Fill a seedling tray or small pot with a fine, clean, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Sow at the right depth — 5 mm.
3. Water gently with a spray bottle so the seeds are not displaced. Keep the medium moist, not waterlogged.
4. Place the tray where it gets the right light for this plant (full sun). Protect young seedlings from harsh afternoon sun.
5. Under suitable conditions, sprouts usually appear in 5-8 days.

Light, water, soil and feeding

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Water when the top soil dries. Do not wet the leaves.
• Soil: Any well-drained garden soil.
• Temperature: 18-32C
• Fertiliser: Balanced feed every 3 weeks; excess nitrogen means fewer flowers.

Sowing season in India

June–July, September–October and January–February — three times a year. Exact timing depends on your local temperature and conditions.

Common problems

Damping-off and powdery mildew in the monsoon; spider mites in dry heat.

*Germination time is an expected range under suitable temperature, moisture, sowing depth and storage conditions. Natural germination cannot be guaranteed.