Saving Marigold Seeds

An old paint pan makes a nice marigold seed-drying pan. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

Saving Marigold Seeds

I have to confess, I fell out of interest in marigolds several years ago when the original bug-deterring plants seem to be less and less successful at keeping bugs at bay. Some bugs, such aas ladybugs, are good to have around. Other bugs, however, damage plants and need to be discouraged.

The reason marigolds are no longer effective is simple enough. Plant breeders have bred the insect-repelling pheromone out of some of the newer varieties, in part because some people don’t like the unique marigold scent. I myself love the pungent scent, which is what used to make them good plants to have around vegetable gardens.

This year, a friend gave me a couple of her dried marigold plants. I was startled to note the strong scent and asked her where she had picked up the seeds. From my grandmother, she said.

As it was snowing outside, I found myself picking off the flower heads to dry. There were two marigold colors, one yellow and one all orange. Once the plants were cleaned of most of their seeds, I spread the seeds in an old paint pan to dry.

After they are all dry, I will store them in bags ready for planting next spring.

Marigolds are annuals, so they only bloom one growing season. Well, unless some of the seeds end up tucked safely somewhere during winter, then you might find marigold plants popping up where you least expect them.

I still like their flowers so will save some seeds to scatter in my garden next spring after danger of frost. Will be interesting to see if these flowers are more aromatic and better deter bugs.

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Charlotte