Marigold French Strawberry Blonde Seeds Premium Quality Seeds for Vibrant Garden Blooms and Successful Gardening

Marigold French Strawberry Blonde Seeds – Premium Quality Seeds for Vibrant Garden Blooms and Successful Gardening

Product Description:
Marigold ‘French Strawberry Blonde’ (Tagetes patula) is a unique and elegant French marigold variety known for its soft pastel shades that shift in color throughout the growing season. The flowers bloom in delicate hues of pink, peach, rose, and pale yellow, creating a sophisticated and harmonious garden display. This variety is highly prized for its long-lasting blooms, pest-repelling properties, and ease of care. ‘French Strawberry Blonde’ thrives in garden beds, borders, and containers, attracting beneficial pollinators while adding a soft touch of color to any landscape.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Tagetes patula ‘French Strawberry Blonde’
• Common Name: French Marigold, Strawberry Blonde Marigold
• Plant Type: Annual flowering plant
• Flower Color: Soft pink, peach, rose, and pale yellow (color changes with temperature)
• Bloom Size: 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm)
• Mature Height: 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)
• Spread: 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm)
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy
• Blooming Season: Spring to frost
• Fragrance: Mild, pleasant scent
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2–11

Planting Instructions:

1. Seed Preparation:

• No special preparation required.
• For faster germination, soak seeds in lukewarm water for 2–4 hours before planting (optional).

2. Sowing Guidelines:

• Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
• Outdoor Sowing: Direct sow in the garden after the last frost when soil temperature exceeds 65°F (18°C).
• Soil: Use well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 6–8 inches apart.
• Temperature: Maintain soil temperature at 65–75°F (18–24°C) for best germination.

3. Germination:

• Germination occurs within 5–10 days under optimal conditions.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Care and Maintenance:

• Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
• Soil Requirements: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Watering:
  • Water regularly until plants are established.
  • Once established, marigolds are drought-tolerant and require watering only during prolonged dry periods.
• Fertilizer:
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth over blooms.
• Pruning:
  • Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
  • Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth.
• Pest and Disease Control:
  • Naturally repels pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes.
  • Ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and rot.

Benefits and Uses:

• Ornamental Value:
  • Soft pastel tones add elegance to flower beds and borders.
  • Ideal for container planting and hanging baskets.
• Pest Repellent:
  • Naturally deters aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes.
  • Effective as a companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
• Pollinator Friendly:
  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Cut Flowers:
  • Long-lasting blooms suitable for floral arrangements.
• Low Maintenance:
  • Thrives in poor soil and dry conditions once established.
  • Tolerant to heat and humidity.

Why Grow French Strawberry Blonde Marigolds?

• Unique, soft pastel shades shift through the season, adding visual interest.
• Compact and bushy growth habit makes it suitable for small spaces.
• Blooms continuously from summer to frost.
• Acts as a natural pest deterrent for vegetable and flower gardens.
• Drought and heat-tolerant once established.

Pack Size: Available in packs of 50, 100, or 250 seeds.
Germination Rate: High (with proper planting).
Origin: Sustainably sourced.
Shelf Life: Best planted within 1 year for maximum germination.