Tagetes erecta
A major source of carotenoids and Lutin
A pretty and colourful annual with flower heads ranging from yellow to deep red throughout the summer.
Fresh or dried flowers produce yellow, orange and gold dyes on alum mordanted wool, silk and cotton. Over-dye with woad or indigo for beautiful blues.
Pick the flower heads regularly throughout the summer and use them fresh or dried.
To dye with marigold
Cover the plant material with water and simmer for 30 minutes.
25 -50% dried marigolds to WOF
Leave to cool.
Strain off the coloured liquid through cheesecloth and add pre-wetted mordanted fibre.
Raise temperature to just below simmering point for about 30 minutes to an hour or until the desired colour has been achieved.
Rinse. Wash. Rinse.
Dry out of direct sunlight.
