Are the plants wilted or the cuttings? Marigolds don't really root from cuttings. It's so easy to grow them from seed. When you pinch plants and root them (other than marigolds) you have to shade them till they grow roots or they wilt.

Thanks for the help. It was the cuttings that wilted. Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate the info.

The Marigolds I grow (Harlequin) are so self-branching, pinching isn't required...growing about 2'x2'; their gorgeous :)

Vera