Colorado marigold
Tagetes patula
Annual
DYE: Gold, mustard, bronzy-green 
 
GROW: Direct seed 12-15” apart in full sun after the last frost date. OR start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside in full sun with medium water. The 18-24” stalks produce steadily from mid-summer until frost. Any variety of Marigold can produce dye.
 
HARVEST: Harvest blooms twice weekly at their peak. Dry out of direct sunlight and store in open paper bags.
 
EXTRACT DYE: Marigolds contain flavonoid pigments, and have very good light and wash fastness. The dense dried flowers should be soaked overnight before using to help release dye, reserve the water for the dye bath. Medium color is achieved with a 1:2 ratio of dyestuff to fiber. Place the dyestuff in the dye pot and slowly bring to just below a simmer, hold for 30 minutes then let cool. Strain out the dyestuff, squeezing as much color out of the plants as you can, then compost the plant material.