What marigold seeds can be collected
Try to remember which marigolds grow on your site. The F1 marking on the seed packaging indicates that this is a hybrid that is obtained by crossing several varieties. Unfortunately, propagating such flowers at home does not make sense. The seeds will produce plants that are different from the parent. But from varietal marigolds, you can safely collect planting material – the flowers will be of the same quality as that of the mother’s variant.
How to collect marigold seeds
It is better to start harvesting in dry weather, otherwise the “harvest” runs the risk of rotting. Examine the marigolds: when ripe, the seed pods turn golden brown and are completely dry to the touch. Greenish and those that have just faded, do not pick from the bush for a few more days.
ten
Ripe seed pod. Frame: Julia/YouTube
twenty
Immature seed pod. Frame: Julia/YouTube
Collect the ripe boxes, lay them out on a napkin or paper in the room and leave to dry for 2-3 days.
After that, remove the box from each inflorescence – it will be very easy to separate. The remaining bunch of thin sticks is the marigold seeds.
How to store marigold seeds
Put the planting material in a plastic container with a lid or in a paper envelope. Do not forget to write the name of the variety and the year of collection. Store marigold seeds in a dark, cool and dry place. They remain viable for four years.