Marigold – French – Sparky Mixture

Growing Temp 65°F – 80°F
Days to Maturity 50-60 days

Ease of Cultivation and uses: Marigold ‘French – Sparky Mixture’ is a vibrant and cheerful variety known for its bright, bicolor blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is easy to cultivate, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. ‘Sparky’ thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil conditions, requiring minimal maintenance. These marigolds not only provide eye-catching color to gardens and containers but are also edible, adding a lovely visual appeal to salads and other dishes while helping to deter pests in vegetable gardens.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant ‘Sparky Mixture’ seeds outdoors after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches at least 65°F. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 6–8 inches apart in well-drained soil. Germination typically occurs within 5–7 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during the initial growth period but avoid overwatering. Once established, the plants are drought-tolerant and thrive with minimal care, making them a great addition to any garden.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To get a jumpstart, sow ‘Sparky Mixture’ seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Place seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays filled with a light, well-draining potting mix. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F for optimal germination. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves and outdoor temperatures have warmed, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 6–8 inches apart. Water well after transplanting to promote healthy root development.

Harvesting: Harvest ‘French – Sparky Mixture’ flowers when they are fully open and exhibit their bright colors. The best time to cut the blooms is early in the morning when they are fresh and hydrated. Use clean scissors to snip the flowers at the base of the stem. Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms throughout the growing season. The flowers can be used fresh in culinary dishes or dried for decorative arrangements.