Marigolds are a type of flowering plant in the genus Tagetes and are extremely easy to grow and make an excellent companion plant for eggplants and lemon balm. One of the first flowers I ever grew from seed was a marigold! They are native to subtropical America and are popular garden plants, with many cultivars in a variety of colors. Marigolds are often used as companion plants, as their pungent aroma repels some common garden pests, and their bright flowers attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies. It is exceedingly easy to harvest marigold seeds from your flowers at home, but to do so, you need to know when and how to harvest them and how you should store your marigold seeds. Let’s jump right in!
When and harvest Marigold seeds
Knowing when to harvest seeds is equally important to knowing how to harvest them. Marigold seeds should be harvested when the blooms on the flower have fully matured, but before they fully dry out and start to drop their seeds. The seed heads should be a deep brown color, and the seeds should be dry and hard to the touch. Don’t attempt to harvest marigold seeds from flowers that still have moisture and color, and avoid harvesting from flowers that appear to be damaged or suffering from diseases or pests.
How to Harvest Marigold Seeds
Harvesting these seeds is a pretty simple process overall. Follow these 5 steps to harvest your own seeds right out of your garden:
- Wait for the Marigold flowers to wither and die. When the petals have fallen off, the seed heads will be exposed.
- Cut off the seed heads with scissors and place them in a paper bag.
- Shake the bag over a bowl to remove the seeds.
- Place the seeds on a paper towel and spread them out to air dry for a few days.
- Place the dried seeds in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place.
Storing Harvested Seeds
Marigold seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in a paper bag or an envelope. The ideal temperature for storing marigold seeds is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds should be stored in an airtight container, such as a jar or plastic bag, and placed in a dark location away from direct sunlight. Marigold seeds can remain viable for up to five years if properly stored in a cool, dry place, but we generally recommend planting your harvested marigold seeds during the following growing season to ensure they sprout.
Starting marigold seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. Before planting, it is important to choose the right container, soil, and location.
- Choose a container: Marigolds need a minimum of 2-3 inches of soil depth to give their roots plenty of room to grow. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent the roots from remaining waterlogged.
- Select a soil: Select a soil that is well-aerated and drains well. A seed starting mix is ideal, as it contains a light blend of soil and fertilizer.
- Find a location: Find a location that is warm and receives plenty of light. A sunny windowsill is ideal for starting marigold seeds indoors.
- Plant the seeds: Plant the marigold seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in the soil. Cover them lightly with soil and water gently.
- Water & Monitor: Keep the soil lightly moist and monitor for germination. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out, leaving the strongest plants. Move the container to a sunny outdoor location when the seedlings are large enough to handle.