I sowed some marigold seeds a few weeks ago. All the seedlings planted in soil and hydroponic setup have evenly distributed purple spots on the leaves from the beginning.

The only exception is the cotyledons. None of the cotyledons have any purple spots.

They only appeared on the marigold - not other plants.

I have never seen healthy leaves with purple spots. But I also haven't ever seen spots that are so evenly distributed. Is this normal? What are these dots called?

My friend told me it's probably just this variety. I'm slightly worried if this is a weird disease.

@TtiGeR Hi, and welcome

I'll be interested to see what responses you get; because sorry I don't know either. I have Dwarf Marigold growing but like you, haven't seen this before. Hoping too that it's the variety; if so, quite unique!

If you still have the seed packet; it could be worth making contact with the supplier.

http://www.weekendgardener.net...

....back again, and I thought to pass this one along to you; it may be relevant. Your soil did appear very dark, perhaps moist?? That can impact on bacterial diseases ......... maybe not good news but perhaps can be reverted.

Hopefully it's not that!

Thank you so much @carolem !

I did contact the supplier as well, but they haven't responded.

The picture was actually found online - with the exact same color and spot patterns. I tried to take a few pictures myself, but my phone's camera isn't very good and the purple dots were barely visible. So I "stole" the picture instead since it's much clearer. The website listed the picture, didn't say anything other than "marigold seedling".

I have some marigold seeds sowed hydroponically as well - exact same symptoms.

The strange thing is the purple color is there as early as the first pair of leaves appeared, and the spots are so evenly distributed. Every single seedling has the same symptom.

It would be really very interesting if it's indeed just this particular variety.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/m...

it will be interesting to see what feedback you get from the supplier. Have you the seed packet still? Does it show coloured spots on the leaves like yours are exhibiting?

The article above does seem to suggest that it's perhaps not the variety you have ........ but I hope you will find out otherwise.

Keep us posted (and good luck!).

G'day @carolem ! Just realised you are an Aussie as well! We just moved to Utah from Sydney last year.

I did saw a picture about the fungal leaf spots for marigold (see below). They look more like burns to me and are not that symmetrical like mine.

bugwoodcloud.org/images/768x512/1525427.jpg

Unfortunately, I cannot find the seed packet anymore but do not recall seeing those marks.

I will keep this post updated if I hear back from them.

you will be well settled in now to your new home-place.

Yes I will keep watching this thread for updates on your marigolds.

Hi @TtiGeR:

I found this so fascinating and unusual that I googled the following:
marigold seedlings have purple dots on leaves.

A lot of articles came up. A treatable leaf spot was mentioned: (copied and pasted)
Alternaria Leaf Spot, Purplish spots form on leaves and stems (bacterial)

You have probably done the same, but just in case you have not,
Here is an article with a picture.

https://www.extension.umn.edu/....

Your markings are a bit more symmetrical. Best of luck with your marigolds.

I would think since it's on all of them and it's so symmetrical it is probably normal for that cultivar. A disease would be less symmetrical and not be on all of them right off the bat. What is the name of the marigold?

I think so too! Strangest thing I have ever seen.

I agree with sooby.

It's normal.
I've seen cultivator's like that.
In fact ! 😮 ! most of what they sell in stores and nurseries.
😎😎😎

sooby said:I would think since it's on all of them and it's so symmetrical it is probably normal for that cultivar. A disease would be less symmetrical and not be on all of them right off the bat. What is the name of the marigold?

Thanks @sooby. I don't have the packet any more but remembered it was just "Marigold - Petite Orange".

I don't think think a latin name was there.

Philipwonel said:It's normal.
I've seen cultivator's like that.
In fact ! 😮 ! most of what they sell in stores and nurseries.
😎😎😎

Thanks @Philipwonel

I'm glad you have seen a similar cultivator.

I found another article suggesting alternaria leaf spot.
https://negreenhouseupdate.inf...

TtiGeR said:

Thanks @sooby. I don't have the packet any more but remembered it was just "Marigold - Petite Orange".

I don't think think a latin name was there.

I looked for pictures of 'Petite Orange' on the web but none were close enough to the leaves to see if they had the spots. The cultivar name 'Petite Orange' is what I was looking for, the Latin name is Tagetes patula just FYI.

This is a picture of Alternaria on marigold:
https://www.forestryimages.org...

From the history given it seems unlikely, but just in case.

I just want to TtiGeR to Utah!

The marigold is interesting, too. It does seem to be inherent in the plants rather than disease.

TtiGeR said:I sowed some marigold seeds a few weeks ago. All the seedlings planted in soil and hydroponic setup have evenly distributed purple spots on the leaves from the beginning.

The only exception is the cotyledons. None of the cotyledons have any purple spots.

They only appeared on the marigold - not other plants.

I have never seen healthy leaves with purple spots. But I also haven't ever seen spots that are so evenly distributed. Is this normal? What are these dots called?

My friend told me it's probably just this variety. I'm slightly worried if this is a weird disease.

Just bumping this up as I have the same thing going on.

I know the seedlings I have are extremely healthy. They really do look like a pattern. All dots equidistant and symmetrical.

I assume as they mature they will be less noticeable but it sure is an interesting effect if it does stay I will not mind at all.

Just curious how yours turned out.

allone said:
Just bumping this up as I have the same thing going on.

I know the seedlings I have are extremely healthy. They really do look like a pattern. All dots equidistant and symmetrical.

I assume as they mature they will be less noticeable but it sure is an interesting effect if it does stay I will not mind at all.

Just curious how yours turned out.

They turned out fine. The dots gradually disappeared!

Since the dots correspond with the location of the oil glands found on Marigold leaves, I think that is what you are seeing.