Marigolds are the unofficial flower of Navratri, strung into torans, piled on the puja thali and offered to the Goddess every single morning. A few everyday habits, most of them done with the best intentions, quietly shorten their life. The fix doesn’t take much effort or money, just a little awareness. Here are five common mistakes to avoid, and what to do instead.
They’re sturdy as flowers go, yet they often look tired and droopy well before the nine days are over, and it’s usually not the flowers’ fault.
Flowers from the market often come wrapped tightly in plastic, and a lot of people simply leave them that way until the puja. The trouble is that a closed bag traps heat and moisture, which makes petals turn soft and dark and encourages mould. As soon as you get home, take the flowers out and let them breathe. Spread loose blooms on a clean tray or in a wide basket, or hang garlands in a cool spot. A little airflow makes a noticeable difference in how fresh they look the next day. Go through your flowers every morning, pick out anything browning or soft, and refresh the arrangement. Avoid crushing garlands into a pile or squeezing them into a small container, since pressed petals bruise and wilt faster. Remove used puja flowers with respect, and many families return them to the soil or a garden rather than throwing them away. This article is intended for general informational and household purposes only. How long marigolds last depends on how fresh they were when bought, the weather and how they’re handled, so results can vary. Keep flowers and garlands away from open flames such as diyas and incense, as dry petals can catch fire. Follow the customs of your own family and community for the respectful disposal of puja flowers.
It’s easy to leave yesterday’s flowers on the thali beside today’s, or to pile garlands in a heap, but tired blooms release moisture and encourage mould that spreads to their neighbours.
