Avoid These Marigold Seed Collecting Mistakes to Have the Best Flowers Next Year and ensure healthy, thriving blooms in your garden!
Collecting marigold seeds is an excellent way to save money and enjoy many more vigorous blooms year after year. However, a few common mistakes can affect seed quality and your next season’s flowers. Follow this guide and Avoid These Marigold Seed Collecting Mistakes to Have the Best Flowers Next Year.
Avoid These Marigold Seed Collecting Mistakes to Have Best Flowers Next Year
1. Storing Seeds in Plastic Bags
Once you’ve collected dry, mature marigold seeds, store them in brown paper bags or paper seed envelopes in a cool, dry place. Paper packets are ideal because plastic can trap moisture and cause mold.
You can reuse old seed packets or envelopes for this purpose; just ensure they are sealed properly and kept in a safe, dry place to keep insects out.
2. Not Using Seeds in Time
Seeds don’t last forever, so tracking the collection date for their age is helpful. This way, you’ll know when it’s time to use them.
Marigold seeds can last for about five years when stored properly. The shelf life of seeds varies, but how you store them also affects their longevity. Generally, it’s best to use garden-saved seeds within 2 years to ensure the highest germination rates.
3. Not Labeling the Seed Jar
If you collect seeds from multiple marigold varieties, it’s essential to write down the name of each type. Adding the collection date and other details is also helpful.
It will help you track how well the seeds germinate and the best time to plant them.
4. Storing Seeds from Hybrid Varieties
Many marigold types sold in stores are hybrid varieties, which means they won’t grow true to the parent plant from seed. The same goes if you collect seeds from hybrid marigolds.
Collect seeds only from heirloom or non-hybrid marigold varieties if you want consistent blooms. This way, you know you’re getting the same type of plant next year.
5. Harvesting Seeds Too Soon
One of the biggest errors people make is picking marigold seeds too early. You need to avoid this number one marigold seed harvesting mistake if you want the best flowers next year. Seeds need to dry on the plant for them to be fully mature. If you harvest them while they’re still green or moist, they will not germinate well.
Wait until the marigold blooms are completely dry and the petals turn brown and crisp. The seed head will feel brittle, indicating the seeds are ready for harvesting.
6. Failing to Identify Healthy Plants
Avoid collecting seeds from unhealthy or weak plants, which can lead to poor seedlings next season.
Seeds from plants with weak stems, small flowers, or signs of disease often carry these traits, which will make your next batch of marigolds less vigorous and resilient.
Always choose seeds from your healthiest marigolds with the biggest and brightest flowers. This will increase the chances of growing solid and colorful blooms next year.
7. Ignoring Seed Drying
If you don’t properly dry your marigold seeds in the shade before storing them, they can develop mold or rot. Wet seeds won’t store well and might not grow when planted.
After collecting seeds, spread them on a paper towel or newspaper in a dry, warm, shaded spot, either outdoors or indoors. Leave them to dry for about a week, turning them occasionally to ensure they dry evenly.
8. Incorrect Seed Storage
If you store dry seeds in a poor environment, they can lose their quality. High humidity, heat, and light can shorten the seeds’ viability, leading to fewer plants when you sow them next year.
Store your seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place; a paper envelope or a small glass jar with a lid works well. Label the container with the date and type of seeds to remember when and where you collected them.
9. Skipping Cleaning Seed Heads
After collecting seeds, it’s easy to miss the tiny chaff or plant debris mixed with the seeds. If you don’t separate these bits, they can affect the quality of stored seeds and lead to mold or disease.
Gently rub the seed heads to remove any chaff and separate the seeds. Only keep the clean, dark, and slender seeds–these are the ones that will grow best.
10. Not Testing Seed Viability
Collecting seeds is only helpful if they’re still viable. Without testing a small sample, you may plant seeds that won’t grow, wasting time and effort.
Test a few seeds by placing them between damp paper towels in a warm place. After a week or so, check if they’ve sprouted. This simple test can save you from disappointment in the next planting season.
What to Do Before Collecting Marigold Seeds
Avoid Deadheading
Marigolds often need staking to support their stems and some deadheading to keep them looking neat. If you’ve been deadheading them over the past few months, stop now so the flowers can fully develop seeds.
In some gardens, marigolds usually start producing seeds from mid-October to mid-November. Don’t always rush to collect them, as waiting until the first frost can improve the seed maturity, as frost can aid seed drying.
Don’t Rush
Most marigolds look a bit untidy, and they take a while to go from “bright” to “completely dead.” This might make you want to cut them down early.
If you’re unsure if the seeds are dry enough to pick, press one with your fingernail. The seed heads are ready to collect if they feel crumbly and dry. It is okay if the petals are still attached as long as they’re shriveled.
