I pick the deadth flower buttons from the Marigold. And keep their seeds. Do they really grow?

A friend of mine told me, when I pick the dead headings from the Marigold, I can open them and take out their seeds. Are these the same seed's that come in the packages that you purchase in the store? Cause I been picking them all summer long. Wondering will they really work when I plant them next year in starters?

I pick the deadth flower buttons from the Marigold. And keep their seeds. Do they really grow?
Yes they do. I have done it for years. Save a couple of the cardboard egg cartons and use them as the starter pots - they are bio-degradeable and easily come apart.





I do this with about 90% of the flowers in my garden.
Reply:Yes, they have always grown well for me.
Reply:Of corse they do i i grew them in a pot last year!
Reply:Hi,





Yes, they are the same seeds. Even though the marigold is an annual, I've been growin a big patch for 4 years by picking the seeds and re-planting the following year. Some tips:





- Let them totally dry out on the plant. Don't pick when they first turn brown, but when they become brittle.


- I like to open them and take out the seeds before storing.


- Don't store in an airtight container if they are wet - they will rot.


- Store in a cool place over the winter.


- Plant in the spring.





You end up with a lot of seeds - so you can direct seed if your climate will permit it. Also, if you have particularly vigorous or colorful plants, you can do some selective picking so you try to get those characteristics next year.





Good Luck.
Reply:I have about ten or twelve coming up right now from seeds ~yes, they really do grow


have fun!
Reply:Be sure to let them dry on the stem before picking.