You know marigolds are great for repelling pests in the garden, but did you also know they make fantastic companion plants for many vegetables and herbs?
Their colorful blooms do more than just look pretty. When planted next to certain plants, marigolds can actually help them grow better.
Good Companion Plants for Marigolds
So, what are the best companions for marigolds? You can plant them next to the plants below!
Dill: Like many other plants, marigolds can also be affected by aphids. To help keep away aphids from marigolds, plant dill next to them. Dill will act as a trap crop in this case, drawing away aphids from your garden.
Lavender: Lavender can also be a great asset in your marigold patch as it helps deter beetles and weevils. These pests will feed on the tender shoots and young leaves of marigolds [1].
Tomatoes: Marigolds deter tomato hornworms and other tomato pests. Plus, their bright flowers will attract pollinators to your tomato patch.
Petunias and Geraniums: These plants are excellent for keeping away leafhoppers and many other pests. Leafhoppers may affect your French marigolds, damaging their leaves.
Cucumbers: Cucumber beetles hate the smell of marigolds. Therefore, planting marigolds and cucumbers together helps keep your cucumbers free of these cucumber pests.
Squash: Marigolds will help keep your squash plants thriving by keeping away many squash pests. Marigolds will also attract pollinators to squash plants.
Potatoes: Rabbits are common pests of potatoes, and some gardeners have found that marigolds help keep away rabbits.
Peppers: Marigolds make great companion flowers to plant alongside peppers. Their root secretions repel nematodes in the soil that attack pepper roots.
Other plants that you can grow next to marigolds include lettuce, melons, onions, eggplant, asparagus, and beans.
What Not to Plant with Marigolds
You’ll also want to keep marigolds away from a few types of plants.
- Avoid planting marigolds next to beans. Some gardeners find that beans don’t do well next to marigolds.
- Corn is another one that can be bad for your marigolds. Leafhoppers love corn [2], and it turns out that these pests also love marigolds. Therefore, avoid planting corn next to marigolds, as it may attract and keep leafhoppers around.
How to Grow Marigolds
To grow vibrant marigolds, start with high-quality seeds or seedlings. Plant them in a spot with well-drained, fertile soil and full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
Space the seeds or seedlings 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety. African marigolds need to be about 10 to 12 inches apart, while you can space French marigolds 8 to 10 inches apart.
Also, water the seeds regularly to keep the soil consistently damp until they sprout.
Care
Water marigolds regularly, especially for the first few weeks after planting. However, allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilize the plants at the time of planting. Use an all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as 10-10-10.
Follow the directions on the product packaging for how much to apply. However, you do not need to keep fertilizing after the plants are established.
Also, pinch off dead or dying flowers to promote new growth. This will also help the plants produce flowers for a longer period of time.
Garden Pests
Aphids, some spider mites, leafhoppers, and weevils all affect marigold plants. Slugs are also pests of marigolds [3].
Therefore, keep an eye out for these critters and utilize the necessary remedies to get rid of them.
Plant Diseases
Marigolds are generally low-maintenance, but a few diseases can affect them. Watch out for powdery mildew, collar rot, Alternaria leaf spot, blights, and stem rot.
How to Harvest Marigolds
Once your marigolds have bloomed and the petals are completely dry, it’s time to harvest the seeds. Collecting and saving seeds from your favorite marigolds allows you to continue growing them year after year.
Collect the seeds on a dry, sunny day. Use scissors to cut the spent flower heads from the plant and place them in a paper bag.
Next, crumble the dried flower heads to release the seeds. Discard the petals and chaff, collecting only the plump, dark seeds.
Now you can sprinkle them in your garden or wherever you wish for them to grow. Alternatively, pour the seeds into an airtight container, such as a jar or plastic bag.
Store them in a cool, dry place, away from extreme heat. You can also package them and keep them in the freezer. When kept properly, marigold seeds can remain viable for up to 5 years.
Where to Buy Seeds
You can buy the seeds of marigolds and other preferred plants online at sites like SeedsNow. You may also find them at your favorite gardening center.
Takeaway
So there you have it: some of the best plant companions for marigolds. With the right combinations, you’ll have a garden bursting with color, scent, and beneficial insects all season long.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different pairings to find what works for your space and climate.
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