Marigolds are some of our favorite companion plants in our vegetable and flower gardens. Their showy flowers keep on blooming right up until the frost. The bright and cheerful petals add a beautiful splash of color to our outdoor space, even when other flowers may be dying.
Sometimes referred to as the herb of the sun, marigolds symbolize positivity, strength, and happiness. They are also incredibly easy to care for, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
To top it off, saving marigold seeds from dried flowers is easy, quick, and rewarding. In this article, I’ll share how to collect and store marigold seeds for sowing next season. Let’s get into it!
Marigolds are a popular flower known for their bright cheerful blooms that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Their low maintenance and ability to thrive in hot dry conditions make them a favorite for gardens worldwide.
If you have some leftover marigold seeds from last year, you may be wondering – how long do marigold seeds last?
The answer depends on several factors including storage conditions and the variety of marigold. But generally, marigold seeds can remain viable for 2 to 5 years if properly stored.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about marigold seed viability, including:
- Average lifespan of marigold seeds
- Optimal storage conditions
- How to test old seeds for viability
- When to discard old seeds
Plus we’ll share a handy marigold seed viability chart so you can see how long you can expect your seeds to last.
How Long Are Marigold Seeds Good For?
On average, marigold seeds will last for 2-3 years when stored correctly. However, with ideal storage conditions, they can remain viable for up to 5 years.
Marigold seeds sold in packets from garden centers will generally last for 1 year when left in the original packet.
However, their longevity can be significantly extended by drying the seeds and storing them properly after opening.
Here are some factors that determine the shelf life of marigold seeds:
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Seed variety – Heirloom varieties tend to have longer viability than hybrids.
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Storage conditions – Cool, dark, and dry environments prolong viability.
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Age – Older seeds lose vigor and are less likely to germinate.
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Seed source – Professionally produced seeds last longer than home-collected seeds.
So while marigold seeds can remain viable for several years, their germination rate slowly declines over time.
Testing old seeds before planting gives you a better idea of their actual viability.
Storing Marigold Seeds Correctly
To get the maximum shelf life out of your marigold seeds, proper storage is crucial.
Here are the optimal storage conditions:
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Cool temperature – Store seeds at 40-50°F. The refrigerator works great.
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Low humidity – Keep seeds very dry by using airtight containers.
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Darkness – Light can degrade seeds, so keep them in an opaque container.
Follow these tips when storing marigold seeds:
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Allow seeds to fully dry on the plant before collecting them.
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Place seeds in a paper envelope or plastic bag, label with the variety and year.
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For long term storage, use an airtight glass jar or plastic container.
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Add a desiccant pack to absorb moisture. Rice or silica gel work well.
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Store containers in the refrigerator (not freezer).
With proper storage, you can keep marigold seeds viable for years beyond the average lifespan.
Testing Old Seeds for Viability
Before sowing older seeds, it’s a good idea to test their viability to avoid wasting time and space on seeds that won’t germinate.
Here are two methods for checking old marigold seeds:
Paper towel method:
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Place 10-20 seeds spaced apart on a damp paper towel.
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Roll up the towel and place it in a plastic bag.
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Keep the towel moist and in a warm place (70-80°F).
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Check every few days and count how many seeds sprout.
Soil method:
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Plant 10-20 seeds in pots with seed starting mix.
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Keep the soil moist and in a warm place.
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Count how many seeds sprout after 2-3 weeks.
If less than half of the seeds germinate, their viability is low and you’ll need to sow extra seeds or start with fresh seeds.
These simple tests give you a clearer picture of your seed’s actual germination rate so you know what to expect when planting.
When to Discard Old Marigold Seeds
Over time, marigold seeds lose their viability and ability to sprout. But how do you know when seeds are too old to use?
Here are some signs it’s time to throw out marigold seeds:
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They are more than 5 years old – Even with ideal storage, germination rates sharply decline after this.
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Failed germination test – If less than 20-30% of seeds sprout during testing, toss the rest.
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Visible mold/rot – Any black or white fuzzy mold indicates spoiled seeds.
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Damaged or cracked shells – Shriveled, crushed, or split shells won’t protect the seed. Discard them.
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Unlabeled seeds – Mystery seeds of unknown age should not be planted.
While you can try planting older seeds, it’s best to start with fresh seeds for optimal germination and healthy plants.
Every few years, get new marigold seeds and phase out any old ones to ensure vibrant flowers.
Marigold Seed Viability Chart
To give you a general idea of marigold seed longevity, here is a viability chart showing approximately how many years seeds can be expected to remain viable:
| Seed Age | Germination Rate | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 90%+ | Plant freely |
| 2-3 years | 70-90% | Good to plant |
| 3-5 years | 50-70% | Test seeds first |
| 5+ years | <50% | Discard / Compost |
Remember, these estimates are based on properly stored seeds. Viability can vary depending on storage conditions and seed quality.
Testing your old seeds will provide the most accurate results on their remaining germination potential.
Getting the Most From Your Marigold Seeds
Marigold seeds can easily last in storage for several years when properly cared for. Here are some final tips for success:
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Store seeds in cool, dry, and dark conditions immediately after collecting.
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Use airtight containers and desiccant packs to maintain low moisture levels.
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Label seeds to track variety and age. First in, first out.
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Test old seeds before planting to determine viability.
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Discard seeds more than 5 years old or with low germination rates.
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Refresh your seed inventory every 2-3 years with new packets.
Following these seed storage and viability guidelines will help you get the most out of your marigold seeds. The payoff will be abundant flowers that brighten your garden for years to come.
So if you were wondering “how long do marigold seeds last”, hopefully this article provides helpful answers! With optimal storage and care, those forgotten seeds from last season could easily grow into beautiful marigolds this year.
Are marigolds annuals or perennials?
Most marigolds are grown as annuals, though they are considered a short-lived perennial in the right climate. However, as a rule, marigolds are considered tender annuals, likely native to Southern Europe. Part of the massive Asteraceae family, marigolds are easy to grow from seed, and are most commonly grown this way.
How to save marigold seeds
Compared with other flowers like zinnias, marigold seeds are very simple to collect and store. When finished blooming, each flower will close up, dry out, and form a cluster of seeds inside.
What’s even better is that the flowers typically stay on the plant, even after fully drying. These neatly-packed pods can contain dozens of seeds depending on the original flower’s size.
Saving marigold seeds (steps)
- Identify a suitable flower head. After a marigold flower is finished blooming, it begins ripening the seeds within the flower. You can pick flowers earlier, but I like to wait until the flower heads are completely dried out, with a light tan to brown color.
- Allow the flowers to dry indoors. Before removing the seeds, I like to allow the intact flower head to dry out for 1-2 weeks inside. If you are saving seeds in the fall, the indoor air should be dry, quickly dehydrating the seed pods.
- Open the flower pod to reveal the seeds (optional). If you want to store the seeds loose, you can open the flower heads to remove the individual seeds. Alternatively, you can simply store the dried flowers whole until you are ready to plant the seeds in spring.
- Store the seeds in a cool, dry location. To keep the seeds fresh as long as possible, store them in a dry, cool location. They can be stored in the fridge, but should be sealed with a desiccant packet inside to prevent moisture buildup.
That’s it! Like I said, saving marigold seeds is one of the easiest flowers to save seeds from. The densely-packed flowers are enough to sow dozens of new marigold plants the following season!
Storage is the same for most annual flowers, so feel free to store your marigold seeds together with other types. They’ll last longest in a cool, dark, and dry environment.
In short, store marigold seeds in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Place a desiccant packet in along with your seeds to reduce the moisture inside the container and prolong the seed’s life.
Saving Marigolds Seeds-How To collect seeds And Never Buy Marigolds Again
FAQ
What is the lifespan of marigold seeds?
| Lettuce | 2 – 6 years |
|---|---|
| Marigold | 5 – 6 years |
| Marjoram | 1 – 4 years |
| Marrow | 5 – 6 years |
| Melon | 5 – 10 years |
How do you know if marigold seeds are good?
How can you tell if a marigold seed is good? You can conduct a simple germination test by placing a few marigold seeds on a damp paper towel and keeping them in a warm location. If the seeds germinate within a few days to a week, they are viable.
Will old marigold seeds germinate?
Annual Flower Seeds: These seeds generally have a shorter lifespan, lasting 1-3 years. Examples include marigolds and petunias. Perennial Flower Seeds: These seeds can remain viable for longer, usually 2-4 years, depending on the species.
How do I know if my seeds are bad?
See if there are any signs of germination also give the seed a look over and feel. If this seed is dark colored and extremely squishy, you will know it is rotten. If the seed is fine, it will still be firm, and you will not have done any damage if you are careful.