This won't be any help if you want the seed for planting this spring but I've collected very large amounts of marigold seeds from public plantings such as found at hospitals, medical clinics, etc. I'd go in & briefly explain that I was collecting the seeds & deadheading the spent blossoms so they'd continue to bloom. I've never been refused & many seemed happy that someone was keeping the small gardens looking neat.

Most public places like that don't have much variety in annuals so marigolds are common but sometimes cosmos, snapdragons, & a few others can be gleaned this way.

A decade or so ago there was a mail order company called Stokes that had larger quantities of many seed. I do not recall if marigold seed were among their offerings but the internet has made it easy, sometimes, to check on such things.

Their home page linked below says they have flower and garden seed in amounts from $5 to $100,000.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stokes home page

I order from Stokes Seeds every year. They are a great source for multi ounce packages of various seeds. They have extensive Marigold collections. While you're at it, they have Calliopsys,Centaurea and Eschinolza in bulk ounce that would also work for you. Order their catalog too, it cotains very good germination info for all the seeds. Prices are very reasonable.

Try express seed.

One other option in buying the seed in retail stores is checking with Walmart (if you're not opposed to the store)when the seeds displays go up. Last year they had 3 displays, one under the walmart brand, one under the Burpee brand and a 'generic.' The generic seeds started at 10 cents and went up to a quarter. The marigold seeds were 10 cents and I had 100% germination with them.

Send me an envelope and I will send you hundreds of seeds. I have marigolds in my garden and they came up from last years seeds they are everywhere!!!!They are the small dark orange seeds with yellow in the middle. DOchoa7228@juno.com

I'll send you some also, SASE, I am also going to a seed exchange in Jan.. I will see what they got there.. Do you care how clean they are.. ? I can get a load full if your not too particular...

If your still looking. You can but a whole pound for $35 at mainstreetseedandsupply