Petals are an excellent model system for the study of fundamental aspects of senescence. The need of present study was felt with the aim to study the changes taking place during petal senescence in cut flowers of Tagetes erecta L. Estimation of total phenols was studied from first stage to senescent stage of Tagetes erecta . The amount of total phenols had a decreasing trend with progressing stages. This reduction of phenols might have created an internal environment suitable for the senescent change which leads the flower towards senescence.