How long do marigold seeds take to germinate?
Marigold seeds sprout in 4-10 days at an optimal soil temperature of 75-80 °F. Use the planner to estimate days and a sprout date for your soil temperature.
Quick answer
Germination planner
The marker shows your soil temperature; the curve is Johnny's Selected Seeds key growing information (4-7 days at 75-80 F), corroborated by Mississippi State University Extension..
Notes & troubleshooting
An easy, fast warm-season flower: 4-7 days at 75-80 F per Johnny's Selected Seeds and Mississippi State Extension. Below ~60 F germination drops sharply and seed can rot. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or direct-sow after frost.
If they will not sprout
- Too cold: keep soil at least ~60 F (ideally 75-80 F); cold, wet media causes rot.
- Too deep: marigold seed is small; sow shallow (~1/4 in) and barely cover.
- No sprouts after ~10 days: check soil temperature and that the media stays moist.
Sources & how the planner works
The germination range (60-90 °F), optimal band (75-80 °F, best ~78 °F), 4-10 days to germinate, and 1/4 in sowing depth are taken from the sources below and last reviewed 2026-06-18.
Data basis: Johnny's Selected Seeds key growing information (4-7 days at 75-80 F), corroborated by Mississippi State University Extension.
For vegetables the planner reads Oregon State University Extension's measured days-to-seedling at the nearest tested soil temperature (the Harrington table, at 1/2 in planting depth) — it is a direct lookup of published data, not a prediction. For flowers, which have a published optimum range and days but no full temperature curve, the planner shows the cited day range within the optimum band and flags soil that is too cold or too hot. The 'sow date -> sprout window' is the sow date plus the day range. It is general guidance, not a zone-based planting calendar.
General seed-starting guidance only. Soil temperature (not air temperature) drives germination; use a soil thermometer for best results. The OSU/Harrington vegetable data assumes nighttime fluctuation to 60 F or lower and a 1/2 in planting depth. Verify timing for your specific variety and region; extension services publish local recommendations.