Back from several weeks vacation, and really missed this forum! Darn good thing we didn't plant a garden this year, we went 10 1/2 weeks with no rain (3 of them we were not home). Anyway, I returned to find my flowers all dried out. I pulled TONS of seeds from my marigolds, but need to know...do I need to freeze them before they will germinate? Have no idea what area marigolds are native. Thanks

-- Rheba (rhebabeall@hotmail.com), August 19, 2001

Answers

Hi Rheba, I've saved marigold seeds for years and never frozen them. I do put them in a bowl or on a plate and leave uncovered for a few days to make sure they're dry. I then put them in a sealed marked envelope and in the cupboard until I want them next spring.

-- Dee in Iowa (countryanna54@hotmail.com), August 19, 2001.

I never froze mine and they germinated fine. I've saved some 2-3 years but 3 years seems to be the limit for me at least and even after 2 I only got about 50% germination. Other seeds like morning glories I've been able to keep longer with better success. Make sure they're dry before you put them away. I seal mine in foil.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), August 19, 2001.

Thanks Dee and Dave. I have about a quarter of a canning jar full. Will make for a very pretty spring.

-- Rheba (rhebabeall@hotmail.com), August 20, 2001.

Hi Reba..... Did you know about the medicianal uses for marigolds? I am just learning some of the old time uses for things. The way things are going we may have to resort to this. ummmmm now to show my ignorance, the seeds of marigolds. Would these be the petals or?

-- Lynnda (venus@zeelink.net), October 03, 2001.

once the flower dries out, the colored petals pretty much crumble off. You're left with a hull full of seeds. The individual seed would look like a little toothpick, dark at one end. I usually pick the flowers off the plant as soon as they start wilting and lay them out to dry. You can store them in the hull if you're sure they're dry. Picking the old blooms off will keep the plant blooming more and longer. Marigolds can also be cloned by cuttings real easy.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), October 04, 2001.

thanks Dave

-- Lynnda (venus@zeelink.net), October 04, 2001.