Marigold Dye Powder
Botanical Name: Tagetes erecta
Common name: Aztec Marigold, Flor de Muertos, Genda, Jhandu
Colorant: Lutein, Zeaxanthin
Dye type: Adjective dye (requires mordants for better fastness)
Shade Range: Produces vibrant shades of yellow, gold, and even soft oranges. Iron can shift the color toward greenish tones, while acidic modifiers like citric acid brighten the yellow.
Mordant Requirements: Alum and iron are commonly used to enhance the color's depth and fastness. Marigold is suitable for both protein and cellulose fibers.
Fastness: Marigold dye provides moderate lightfastness and washfastness, especially when used with mordants like alum and iron.
Common Uses: Popular for eco-friendly fabric dyeing, and its flowers are also used in traditional Indian ceremonies and Mexican festivals like Dia de los Muertos. It is often combined with other natural dyes to expand its color range.
Country of Origin: South America, India
Vegetarian product: Yes