Marigolds are the ultimate companion flower. This cheery annual attracts all manner of pollinating insects into the garden. They’ll bloom for months, too. Learn all about sowing and growingmarigolds.
An annual flower, marigolds (Tagetes) are the spendthrifts among annuals, bringing awealth of gold, copper, and brass into our summer and autumngardens.
Marigolds are a great companion flower to tomatoes, especially greenhouse-grown tomatoes, as their scent helps to deter whiteflies. Dwarf types make good edging plants that may deter rabbits, so include marigolds when you plan yourgarden.
Some varieties are known for their ability to starve out root-knot nematodes when planted the year before, macerated, and then plowed into the soil, where the chemicals that affect the nematodes are thenreleased.
AboutMarigolds
Marigoldshave daisy- or carnation-like flowerheads produced singly or in clusters.Although there are some 50 species, most marigolds we see in the garden are one of thefollowing:
- Tagetes erecta(akaAfrican marigolds, American marigolds, or Mexican marigolds): This species isthe tallest and most upright marigold, reaching3 to 4 feet in height and producing large, full flowers. They’re native to Mexico and Central America and will thrive even underdrought-likeconditions.
- Tagetespatula(aka French marigolds): French marigoldstend to be smaller, bushier, and more compact than T. erecta. They are often wider than they are tall.Elegant and eye-catching, they have relatively demure flowers and usually grow from 6 inches to 2 feet tall. They are better suited to rainier conditions than the other Tagetes species.
- Tagetestenuifolia(aka signetmarigolds): These petite marigolds do well in hot, dry sites and make for a beautiful edging plant. They rarely reachmore than a foot inheight.
Marigolds have been stereotyped, but they offer tremendous variety. Both the American and French marigolds are generally aromatic, too, although some folks find the scent to be a bit overwhelming. Keep that in mind when choosing a plantingsite.
Calendula: Not a TrueMarigold!
Calendula officinalis (aka pot marigolds or English marigolds) are native to southern Europe. Although often called a “marigold,” this plant is not a true marigold. However, it is still an attractive companion plant! Additionally, its bright flowers are edible—with a tangy, peppery taste—so it is often grown alongside herbs in kitchen gardens. Learn more about growing Calendula!
