Sasha CampbellIt is easy to see why marigolds are so popular. They add bright orange and yellow splashes to patios, porches, verandas, and garden beds.
Planting marigolds in and around the garden has many benefits. They attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while adding bright color to flower beds and vegetable gardens.
Identification
Marigolds are easy to recognize by their bright yellow, orange, gold, or reddish flowers. Their leaves are feathery, dark green, and have a strong scent when crushed.
Depending on the variety, plants can grow anywhere from about 6 inches to over 3 feet tall [1].
Do Marigolds Keep Bugs Away?
Marigolds may help reduce some garden pests, but they are not a guaranteed bug repellent.
Their strong scent and natural compounds may discourage certain insects, such as whiteflies, aphids, and some beetles. However, results can vary depending on the type of marigold, the pest, and growing conditions.
For the best protection, use marigolds along with other natural pest-control methods.
Benefits of Marigolds in the Garden
Here are ten benefits of planting marigolds in the vegetable garden:
1. Suppress Weeds
French marigolds grow in thick clumps [2]. When planted close together, they shade the soil and crowd out the light and space weeds need to grow.
2. Add Color and Beauty
The flowers will brighten up the dullest patch in any garden. They grow well in sunny spots and soon produce bright, warm-colored blooms.
Marigolds also attract butterflies, adding even more beauty to the garden.
3. Suppresses Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
There are both beneficial and harmful nematodes in the soil.
Beneficial nematodes feed on certain soil pests. However, harmful nematodes damage plant roots.
For example, root-knot nematodes are tiny creatures that can cause extensive damage to certain plant roots. They can cause swollen or distorted roots, along with wilting and stunted growth.
French marigold (Tagetes patula) can help control root-knot nematodes.
Studies show that French marigolds produce natural chemicals in their roots that can reduce the number of certain harmful root-knot nematodes in the soil [3].
4. Attracts Bees and Other Pollinators
Bees are essential to the ecosystem. They pollinate vital crops and plants that feed wildlife, helping many plants and animals survive.
Bees visit many marigold flowers, especially single-flowered varieties that provide nectar and pollen. So, planting them helps both the garden and the bees. Their bright flowers also attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Avoid spraying flowers with insecticides while they are blooming. This helps protect bees and other pollinators that visit the flowers.
5. Attracts Other Beneficial Insects
Many gardeners use beneficial insects as a natural way to control pests.
Marigolds can help attract helpful insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps. These natural predators feed on many common garden pests.
You can also buy some beneficial insects if your garden needs extra help.
6. Trap Crop
Some gardeners use marigolds as a trap crop, which means planting them to attract certain pests away from vegetables. However, results can vary depending on the pest and growing conditions.
7. May Help Repel Mosquitoes
Marigolds contain natural compounds that can help repel mosquitoes [4].
However, simply growing marigolds in the yard is unlikely to keep many mosquitoes away on its own. They work best as part of a larger mosquito-control plan.
8. Repels Many Garden Pests
Use marigolds in the garden as a natural pest-control remedy.
Marigolds may help reduce pest problems with whiteflies, aphids, thrips, cucumber beetles, and other insects. Their success can vary depending on the type of marigold and the pest.
Additionally, rabbits, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife are known for ruining vegetable patches. Research has shown mixed results, but many gardeners say marigolds help keep rabbits and deer away.
9. Protects Tomatoes
Many gardeners plant French marigolds near tomatoes because they may help reduce certain pests and attract beneficial insects.
10. Companion Plant
Companion planting with marigolds may help reduce pests and attract pollinators around certain vegetables.
Vegetables often grown alongside marigolds include potatoes, melons, tomatoes, broccoli, eggplants, squashes, gourds, and cucumbers.
How to Grow Marigolds
Marigolds are an attractive plant for many reasons. They are colorful, have many uses, and are easy to grow.
They grow best in well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Besides, they require very little care—only occasional watering in dry weather.
Removing faded flowers throughout the season also encourages the plants to keep blooming.
It is best to plant marigolds from seed after the frosty season has passed. They should germinate and bloom in about two months.
Sow the seeds about 1 inch apart. After they sprout, thin the seedlings so the plants are about 8 to 12 inches apart.
Alternatively, plant the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Keep the soil lightly moist until the seeds germinate.
When to Plant Marigolds
Plant marigolds after the danger of frost has passed in spring. They enjoy warm weather and bloom from early summer until the first frost in many areas.
Best Types of Marigolds
Not all marigolds are the same. Some are better for vegetable gardens than others.
- French marigolds (Tagetes patula) – The best choice for companion planting and helping reduce some root-knot nematodes.
- African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) – Produce large flowers and make excellent border plants.
- Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) – Have smaller flowers that attract many pollinators and are also edible.
Plants That Grow Well with Marigolds
Marigolds are often planted near vegetables because they attract pollinators and beneficial insects while adding color to the garden.
Popular companion plants include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Melons
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
Common Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes when growing marigolds:
- Planting them in too much shade.
- Overwatering the soil.
- Crowding plants too closely.
- Leaving faded flowers on the plant instead of deadheading them.
- Growing them in poorly drained soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Marigolds?
Some marigold flowers, especially signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia), are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
However, always make sure the flowers have not been treated with pesticides before eating them.
Do marigolds come back every year?
Most marigolds are grown as annuals, which means they complete their life cycle in one growing season. However, they often produce seeds that may sprout the following year in warm climates.
Do marigolds repel mosquitoes?
Marigolds contain natural compounds that may help repel mosquitoes. However, planting marigolds alone is unlikely to provide strong mosquito control.
They work best when combined with other mosquito-control methods.
Do marigolds need full sun?
Yes. Marigolds grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
They can tolerate a little shade, but they usually produce more flowers in full sun.
How often should I water marigolds?
Water marigolds when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Once the plants are established, they can handle short periods of dry weather. However, they still benefit from regular watering during long dry spells.
Can marigolds grow in pots?
Yes. Marigolds grow well in containers as long as the pots have drainage holes and are filled with well-drained potting mix.
Place the pots in a sunny location for the best blooms.
Should I remove faded marigold flowers?
Yes. Pinching or cutting off faded flowers, also called deadheading, encourages marigolds to produce more blooms throughout the growing season.
Are marigolds safe for pets?
Marigolds are generally considered to be low-toxicity to cats and dogs. However, eating large amounts may cause mild stomach upset, and the sap can sometimes irritate the skin of people or pets.
It is best to discourage pets from chewing on the plants.
What vegetables grow well with marigolds?
Marigolds are commonly planted with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, melons, beans, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, and eggplants.
They may help attract pollinators and beneficial insects while adding color to the garden.
Takeaway
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder marigolds are so popular. They add beauty to the garden while helping support healthy vegetable plants.
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