Marigolds are the perfect companion plant, adding cheer to the garden while attracting a wide range of pollinating insects. These bright annuals will bloom for months, filling summer and autumn gardens with warm hues of gold, copper, and brass. Learn how to sow and grow marigolds for vibrant displays.
As annuals, marigolds (Tagetes) are valuable additions, especially alongside tomatoes in greenhouses, as their scent helps repel whiteflies. Dwarf varieties are excellent as border plants and may help deter rabbits, making marigolds a great choice in garden planning.
Certain marigold varieties are also valued for their ability to suppress root-knot nematodes; when planted the prior year, macerated, and plowed into the soil, they release chemicals that inhibit these pests.
Marigolds: A Colorful Companion Plant
Marigolds (Tagetes) are cheerful annuals that brighten gardens with blooms in shades of gold, copper, and brass throughout summer and autumn. With daisy- or carnation-like flowers, marigolds attract pollinators and make excellent companion plants, especially for tomatoes, where their scent helps deter pests.
Types of Marigolds:
- African/American Marigolds (T. erecta): Tall, upright plants (3-4 feet) with large, showy flowers. These marigolds are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
- French Marigolds (T. patula): Smaller, bushy, and compact (6 inches to 2 feet), they tolerate rain better and are great as border plants.
- Signet Marigolds (T. tenuifolia): Petite, drought-resistant, and perfect for edging; they rarely exceed a foot in height.
Growing Marigolds:
- Planting: Sow seeds outdoors in spring, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Space French marigolds 8-10 inches apart, and African varieties 10-12 inches apart.
- Care: Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water at the base to avoid mildew, and add mulch to retain moisture.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering and extend the bloom season.
Varieties:
- French Marigolds: ‘Little Hero’, ‘Hero’, ‘Bonanza’, ‘Aurora’, ‘Janie’, ‘Boy O’ Boy’
- African Marigolds: ‘Jubilee’, ‘Gold Coin’, ‘Safari’, ‘French Vanilla’
Note: While marigold flowers from Calendula are edible, those of Tagetes may irritate the skin and are not recommended for consumption.