Unusual Marigold

[Jimmy]

Most Marigolds in the flower border are the same, yellow petals and a red centre.
One however is slightly different, it has red spots on the edge of the petals, see pic.
Is this unusual?
If I save some seed heads from it would it come true?
Thanks
Jimmy

[happyhumph]

If expect them to cross pollinate but there's a chance. Not a marigold expert by the way!

[rary]

Same answer as HH probably cross pollinated but if you don't try you will never know. You,could always try keeping the plant over winter and then take cuttings next spring, and if successful keep them isolated then try keeping the seeds, might be a bit of a hassle, but worth trying

[rary]

Jimmy on thinking about your plant, you could try taking cuttings as you can with dahlias, cut the stem off the plant remove some bottom leaves and the flower head and place the stem into cutting compost or into a glass of water till roots form, if you get some plants you might get them to flower this year, so keep them isolated and try hand pollinating

[cheops]

As with any flower be it foxgloves lupins, marigolds etc cross pollination will produce unpredictable flower colours sometimes producing a striking, and beautiful flower if seeds are collected. Personally I love the ‘surprise’. There are only two ways you can reproduce this particuliar flower head again.
1. As mentioned earlier take cuttings - [ you will produce clones of this plant which will produce true the same flower.]
2. Isolate some flower buds by covering with a cloche or something similar to prevent pollination by insects who have been busy pollinating with other marigolds. When the flower buds open pollinate them yourself with a small kids paintbrush. At all times keep the flowers isolated. The subsequent seeds should produce plants true to the original flowers.