Re: How do I pollinate marigolds?

I'm not really sure if cultivated marigolds can self-pollinate by themselves 
under plastic. French marigolds often self seed in gardens. You could let the 
marigolds under the plastic and see if you get any seeds. You could also remove 
the plastic and see if allowing insects to get at them will help pollinate 
them. Another approach would be to try to pollinate them yourself by looking 
for an anther with ripe pollen and transferring it to one of the pistils.

It will depend on the variety you have whether you will get seeds. If you have 
a hybrid marigold, even if it does produce seeds, they will not be the same as 
the parent. Some marigolds are triploid, sometimes called mule marigolds. They 
cannot produce viable seeds. Mule marigolds are crosses between French and 
African marigolds. 


References



Marigolds


French Marigolds


Marigold Facts


Seed Harvesting Basics