Members of the ‘Tagetes’ genus are native to Mexico and Central America, solely named ‘French’ marigolds as many of their varietals were developed in France. They have been traditionally cultivated for Day of the Dead ceremonies and are now grown extensively throughout India for use in cultural and religious ceremonies, as well as being a popular ornamental addition to gardens across the world.

Dye colours obtained – marigolds contain flavanols and soluble carotenoids that produce beautiful vibrant yellows and oranges depending on their pre-treatment. They can be modified with iron to create beautiful olive greens – this also helps improve light/washfastness. For good depth of shade, use at 50% WOF. A lesser WOF can be used to obtain paler shades. Add a small amount of soda ash to brighten shades. Can be overdyed with indigo to create a beautiful teal.

For a fantastic guide to using marigold in natural dyes, visit this link: https://naturaldyes.ca/marigold

Please remember to keep your dyeing tools and equipment separate from those used for cooking. This ensures that any leftover dyes, chemicals, or residues from the dyeing process don’t contaminate your food, keeping both your culinary and crafting experiences safe and enjoyable.