Marigold seeds

[Cameo Creation]

I FINALLY found white marigolds (plants) this spring they have done well for me. When do I harvest and how to proceed to get them to germinate for next year?

[GreenZone]

Harvesting marigolds from seed is about as easy as it gets. Keep an eye on the flowers after they fade. After several wweks, you can sort of stir the dried flower petals around and down within them you'll see the seeds, nestled lengthwise into the base of the flower. You'll know they're ripe when they are dark brownish-black, and when they loosen up a bit and fall out with minimal effort. They have slightly wispy little tails on one end.

Next spring, plant outdoors about last-frost date, or start them indoors sooner and set out after last frost.

I've never saved seed from the whites so I don't know if there's any trick to it (that is, if they breed true or not. If it's an open-pollinated variety, thay will.)

Hope this helps.
--Randel

[poltergiest233]

I'm pretty sure that there isn't any problem with seeding white Marigolds. I've tried it before!

[Pharmerphil]

Learn something everyday, never seen white marigolds!

[strmywthr3]

me either...they sound pretty interesting!

[Lamb Abbey Orchards]

I think Burpee's has been perfecting white marigolds in their catalog for the past decade or so. I always thought they were hybrids. I guess we'll find out :)

John

[xxx]

I've done white marigolds once and was very dissapointed!
They were more pale yellow than white :(
I will however try again!
I stole some of Ma's seed heads from hers and they were definetly WHITE!

[zebraman]

White Marigolds are First Filial Hybrids and if you do get any to sprout you will not get white marigolds.

[deb65802]

I have so many marigolds int h garden they seem to glow under my tomato plants. I think they really help the with bugs.

[TennOC]

Burpee's had a contest back several yrs ago to find the white-est Marigold. Something like a $50,000 prize if I remember it right.