Petite

In early October I purchased some marigold seeds to plant, partly because I was bored but also because I figured that annuals were the only good plant investment for me since I would be flying off in a few months. Even then, it's funny that I should have picked up Yates' Marigold Petite Yellow, because I don't really fancy the common garden marigold. I can't explain myself sometimes.

So anyway I planted some seeds (these resemble tiny Chinese ink brushes) and transplanted the seedlings and fed them and watered them, all this in the sunniest spot that I could afford. I must say these guys are really easy to grow and definitely pest-free (although I would not have expected any less of Tagetes patula.)

The plants were super lush and the first flower bloomed on the tenth week, two weeks earlier than stated on the packet. Although the seeds took only three days to germinate, as opposed to the expected fourteen days. Balance that out and it is a pretty accurate estimation, I think. Sad to say, the flower was most disappointing!

HUH?!

While I was pleased that the plants stayed dwarf and compact, I was certainly hoping the flowers wouldn't be so! What am I supposed to do with THAT little thing?! It's puny! It's mousey! The flowers on the packet look twice the size of mine! There must have been something I missed. Perhaps there simply wasn't enough sunshine for better blooms. Mum agrees that my previous attempt with Dahlias from seeds was far more gratifying!

Yates promises a profusion of blooms, though. Perhaps my dwarf marigolds will make up for their little flowers with quantity. Oh well.