Marigolds (Tagetes) are popular, brightly colored flowers widely grown for their robust nature and long blooming season. Understanding what their seeds look like is the first step for those interested in collecting and growing them. This article details the unique physical characteristics of the marigold seed.
The Distinct Appearance of Marigold Seeds
Marigold seeds have a highly distinctive, slender, and elongated shape, often described as needle-like or resembling a miniature dart. They typically measure between 1/4 and 1/2 inch (6 to 12 millimeters) in length, depending on the specific variety.
The coloration is a striking two-toned or striped appearance along the narrow body. One end is usually dark (black to deep brown), indicating the attachment point to the receptacle. This dark color gradually fades, transitioning into a lighter shade of tan or pale yellow toward the opposite end.
At the lighter, wider end, a small cluster of fine hairs or bristles, known as the pappus, is often present. This structure is common in the Asteraceae family. The pappus makes the seed appear slightly fuzzy or tufted, aiding in identification.
Identifying Seeds by Marigold Type
While the basic striped, needle-like structure is consistent, subtle differences exist between common garden types. The two most frequently cultivated groups are French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes erecta). Both types produce seeds with the signature dark-to-light gradient.
Seeds harvested from the larger African marigolds are generally longer and noticeably thicker than those from the more compact French varieties. This dimensional difference is proportional to the overall size of the parent plant. Recognizing this variation helps distinguish between seed lots.
Locating and Harvesting Seeds
Marigold seeds are housed within the protective structure of the spent flower head, classified botanically as an achene. To access them, the gardener must wait until the flower has finished blooming and the head has begun to dry out on the stalk. The seeds are tightly packed in vertical rows within the hollow base of the flower head.
Proper timing for collection is when the flower head has turned entirely brown, feels papery or crispy, and is fully dry. Premature collection results in immature, pale seeds unlikely to germinate successfully. The entire dead flower head should be separated from the plant before the seeds are manually extracted.
After separating the seeds from the surrounding dried plant material, known as chaff, they need preparation for long-term storage. Storing the seeds in a cool, dark, and dry location ensures their viability for future planting seasons, often lasting two or more years. A stable environment prevents premature germination or degradation.