Marigold germination

FC, I'd be more inclined to go for these, for the African Marigolds...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Botanico-Lets-Grow-Inserts-Cells/dp/tech-data/B004S64HNS/ref=de_a_smtd

 

I grow Marigolds on in 3" pots too. This year, as everything is backed up, I have pricked out to 1" cells (50 per seed tray) and I will pot-on to 3" in a couple of weeks time - when warmer and more space conservatory space is not going to have a frost risk!

 

Hi FC
I do like Kristen and when pricking out plant up to the seed leaves. I only prick out the amount I need plus a bit , do you really need 400 ? I would go for the 15 cell trays as Freddie suggests . I like the 6 cell half trays that you buy plants in from GC's , but you don't see them for sale , or at least I don't . I bought a load on Ebay 2 years ago. You will prob get two or three seasons use from them.

 

500 x 9cm pots (bit bigger than 3") available here for 10 GBP plus 8.70 carriage (other pots sizes available if you want to make the most of carriage costs)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181095445785

I had some off him this year, and last year, happy with the pots and the service

 

That's pretty good Kristen

 

A bit confused. Are you suggesting a 9 cell? I think a 12 or 15 cell would be ok.

 

FC, been having a think It seems generally accepted that plants/seedlings like to be potted on in stages. Apart from anything else, it seems to encourage root growth. So, maybe worth considering putting all the seedlings into the 24 cell ones you initially suggested, and making a judgement later on as to what size suits best for the 'Africans' for potting on?

 

Well, I'm just thinking that your 'Frenchies' are ideally suited for a 24 cell, and could stay in there until planting out time. I didn't want to suggest too many variations. A 24 cell would suit the 'Africans' too, for a time. Just my opinion

 

I have never bothered with interim potting on, everything I grow goes from a seed tray into 3 inch cell trays or pots. It takes up too much time to keep potting on.

 

I agree. However, this year finding enough space, with sufficient heat, is so tight that for the first time ever I'm doing intermediate 1" cells and extra-time-and-faff-potting-on (just wait until I get my hands on the Weather Gods!)

I'll be interested to see if they turn out better as a result. No denying that some seedlings I pot straight to 3" then flounder - probably too much water in the "Huge" volume of compost overwhelms them. Hopefully that won't be a problem in a 1" cell and I may get a higher survival rate.

 

The one with the lutein is 'calendula officinalis' or pot marigold.