20 Marigold Seeds, Tagetes patula nematicide

Sowing seeds of **Tagetes patula nematicide** (French marigold with nematicide properties) is an effective method to naturally control nematodes in the soil while adding an aesthetic touch to your garden. Here is a guide to successfully sowing these plants.

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### **Steps for sowing Tagetes patula nematicide seeds:**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Indoors**: From February to April for an early start.
- **Outdoors**: From May, once all risk of frost has passed.

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#### **2. Soil preparation:**
- **Soil type**: Tagetes prefer well-drained, light soil that is slightly rich in organic matter.
- **Preparation**: Loosen the soil and incorporate a little compost if necessary to enrich the substrate.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
- Tagetes seeds do not need any prior treatment.
- If you want to speed up germination, you can soak them in warm water for **12 hours**.

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#### **4. Sowing seeds:**

##### **Indoors (in pots or crates)**:
1. **Fill cups or a tray** with special, well-drained seedling soil.
2. **Sow the seeds on the surface** and cover them lightly with potting soil (1 to 2 mm is enough).
3. **Water gently** with a spray bottle to moisten the substrate.
4. Place the cups in a bright place, at a temperature of **18-22°C**.

##### **Outdoors**:
1. **Prepare the soil** by removing weeds and loosening it.
2. **Sow directly in place**, on the surface or in shallow furrows (1 cm).
3. **Lightly cover** the seeds with a little fine soil.
4. **Water lightly** to keep the soil moist.

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#### **5. Germination conditions:**
- **Germination Time**: Seeds typically germinate in **5 to 10 days** under optimal conditions.
- **Light**: Place the seedlings in a bright location, but avoid intense direct sunlight for young shoots.
- **Watering**: Keep the substrate slightly moist, but not soggy.

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#### **6. Care after germination:**
- **Thinning**: If the seedlings are too close together, thin them to leave a space of **10 to 15 cm** between each plant.
- **Pricking out**: If you have sown indoors, transplant the young plants into the ground or into pots when they are approximately **8 to 10 cm** tall and the risk of frost has passed.
- **Exposure**: Tagetes like full sun, but tolerate light shade.

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#### **7. Planting in open ground:**
- **Spacing**: Plant young plants **20 to 25 cm** apart to allow them to develop well.
- **Use in nematicide control**:
- Plant Tagetes around crops susceptible to nematodes (such as tomatoes, potatoes, or carrots).
- For optimal action, plant them **at least 2 months before the main crop**, because their roots produce compounds toxic to nematodes.

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#### **8. Maintenance:**
- **Watering**: French marigolds tolerate drought well, but regular watering during dry periods encourages abundant flowering.
- **Pruning**: Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
- **Fertilizer**: Tagetes do not need excessive fertilization, but adding compost at planting time is beneficial.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Nematicidal properties**: The roots of Tagetes release substances that disrupt the cycle of nematodes in the soil. Their effect is cumulative, so plant them over several seasons to maximize their effectiveness.
2. **Beneficial Association**: Associate Tagetes with vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplants or cucurbits to protect these crops sensitive to nematodes.
3. **Decoration and utility**: In addition to their nematicidal properties, Tagetes add a beautiful touch of color to the garden.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Tagetes patula nematicide** is a natural, effective and aesthetic method to protect your crops from nematodes. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a healthy garden while beautifying your outdoor space. 🌱🌼