that flower is open.. i dont know what more you want???

nor can i think what you could do ...

if this is harvested seed ... and its not the flower you took it from ...

then its proof that this plant does NOT come true from seed .. its still a marigold of course.. but the flower is different ...

man.. that pic is giving me a headache.. lol ... i cant tell up from down.. and i can barely force myself to look away.. its like a Escher drawing.. lol ..

ken

Is it being grown outside or inside?

Thank you both for your responses. I apologize for the awkward picture. It is displayed with the correct orientation when I look at the page on my phone, but for some reason it's upside down on computers....

It's a plant I've been growing indoors from a seed package for the first time, and I was getting concerned because the petals were so much more curled up than the other blossoms. Since then they've opened up a bit more and at least resemble one of the flowers on the package, so I guess there's nothing for me to be concerned over.

The fact that it is being grown inside explains it. You shouldn't expect your marigolds to resemble the picture in the seed pack unless you're providing lots of artificial plant lighting. Marigolds are best in the full summer sunlight where they will bloom happily until frost.

However, your plant is a pretty thing just as is....your expectations are simply too high. I think that you should plant more seeds outside...in the sun, not a shady back porch....just to enjoy the incredible color display for the summer. Butterflies are very fond of marigolds, by the way.

Plant after your first frost date in your location, a date your local extension office will have.

of all the angles my poor neck tried.. i didnt think upside down.. lol ..

where are you???

you did great for a newbie ..

next time.. plant a couple pots worth.. and rotate the pots indoors for a few days at a time.. then you can have very vigorous plants indoors ..

but also scratch some soil .. and plant some outdoors .. they are near bulletproof once the babes get going..

ken

@ken_adrian:
I'm sorry, could you explain what you mean by "scratch some soil"? Do you mean make from scratch?

I would set them out on the balcony, but the winds at this height destroyed my first attempt (even with a windbreaker), so all of the flowers have come inside to a ridiculously sunny window ledge. It seems to be working out, I think.

@rhizo_1:
My climate is a bit unusual (no frost, so to speak). Is there a general temperature level to wait for until planting?

Thank you for all of your advice.

Your very sunny ledge is the reason why the marigold has done as well as it has. But even so, it doesn't equate to a full sun, outdoor location. Direct sun for at least 6 hours straight.

Ken means to plant some seeds directly in the outdoor soil, in the ground.

Marigold seeds germinate best if the soil is relatively warm. Many people start the seeds inside and then transplant the youngsters a few weeks later. The plants themselves can take some light frost.

But again, I think your marigold is pretty (what I can see of it) as is. If you've been enjoying it in your home, please continue to do so. Don't forget to deadhead the flowers once they are spent.

part of sunlight.. that plants need is UV.. which your windows cut down [low E and double pane.. and interior gases.. etc] ... which basically means your plant is in part shade ...

to flower properly ... you need FULL SUN ... especially marigold ...

when there is NOT enough sun ... flower production reduces .. or fails altogether .. that fact that yours is as good as it is.. earns you a gold star ... but you cant complain ... its a little off ...

there are other.. indoor flowering plants .. that would probably lvoe you sunny spot.. and perform fully to specs ...

and yes.. i suggested you plant some in mother earth ... you kinda didnt mention you are in a highrise and earthless..

take care

ken

The advice is much appreciated!

Will do the best I can until I have an actual yard to plant in.

Thank you.

the heck with the marigold.. i would love to see a pic or two of the view out your highrise window .. lol ..

you might want to visit the houseplant forum .. and offer full facts as to your sunny window.. and ask for suggestions of what might thrive there ... i bet you have wild potential way beyond common garden plants..

ken

Thank you for mentioning the houseplant forum. Hadn't thought to look yet.

....and because you asked: window view

With one follow up of the next flower that bloomed. Several more buds developing/opening up: can't wait!

That's quite a view, Robin. Thanks for sharing with us. I so rarely get to a big city any more that they seem so exotic to me. And clearly, your marigold is perfectly happy sitting on your sunny window sill.

thx.. there aint no green out that window view..

no wonder you want a little green inside..

ken