Marigold extract

Marigold flowers (Latin: Tagetes erecta) are known for their bright and easy-to-use natural dye. Originally from Central America, these flowers have been important in many cultures, from the Aztecs to India. Besides their beautiful appearance, marigold flowers are famous for creating warm colors, ranging from yellow to brown. They're popular around the world not just for dyeing but also because they hold cultural significance, especially in India, where these lovely flowers are a cherished part of tradition and beauty.

Name: marigold extract

Latin name: Tagetes spp.

Type: mordant dye

Part of the plant used: petals

Main colorants: various various flavonoids such as quercetagetin, patuletin, etc.

Main colors: yellow

Other colors: honey, mustard, rust, cayenne, moss green

Purpose: natural dye for textiles, leather, wood, candles, and other natural materials. Can be used for making botanical inks, pastels, watercolors, printing paste, etc. 

Dyeing with marigold extract:

• A small amount of extract can dye a lot - use 5-10 % WOF

• Dissolve the powder in a small amount of warm water. Stir well to ensure that all extract is dissolved and add to your dye pot.

• Fibers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding to the dye solution. Use pre-mordanted fibers.

• Add wet fibers to the dye solution and simmer for 40-60 minutes depending on the shade you want. Leave to cool.

• For a wider color palette experiment with additional citric acid, cream of tartar, soda ash, or chalk. Color modification in acidic water will bring out brighter yellow or orange shades while modification in alkaline solution may bring out brown tones.

• To widen your palette even more experiment with additional mordants - iron sulfate or various tannins. Iron and copper sulfates will bring out more moss green shades.

Here is a more detailed recipe on how to use marigold extract to achieve a variety of colors.