Marigolds are a top choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance flowers. These plants thrive in the full sun, boasting blooms in rich hues of orange, yellow, and deep red, which can dramatically enhance any garden space or container setup.
They are not just admired for their aesthetic appeal; marigolds are also highly regarded as companion plants. Often planted alongside a variety of other plants, they offer multiple benefits.
Gardeners favor marigolds for their full, bushy appearance and ease of growth. Known scientifically as Tagetes spp., these flowers are not only simple to cultivate but also serve as excellent natural pest deterrents.
They are particularly effective against garden pests such as aphids and cutworms, safeguarding vegetables and other plants from potential devastation.
Another advantage of marigolds is their ability to withstand hot climates, making them perfect for summer gardening. They continuously produce bright, eye-catching flowers from summer into early fall, contributing not only beauty but also a natural defense mechanism against pests.
The scent of marigolds is known to repel certain garden pests like rabbits, while simultaneously attracting beneficial pollinators.
Whether you’re cultivating vegetables, herbs, flowers, or fruit, incorporating marigolds into your garden could greatly enhance plant health and biodiversity. They are known to attract useful insects and repel damaging ones, making them an ideal choice for any gardener looking to adopt companion planting strategies.
In this discussion, we’ll explore some of the best plants to pair with marigolds. Stay tuned to discover more about using these colorful allies to enrich your gardening experience.
Why Marigolds Make Great Companion Plants
Companion planting is a time-honored gardening method where specific plants are grown together to mutually enhance each other’s growth and health. Integrating various plants among your rows of vegetables or within container gardens not only maximizes space but also boosts biodiversity. Let’s delve into some of the key advantages.
- Attracting Beneficial Wildlife
Marigolds are a powerhouse in the garden, flowering for extended periods and offering a rich source of nectar for a variety of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These vibrant flowers, particularly in shades of yellow and orange, are magnets for bees and butterflies which are crucial for the pollination of many vegetable crops.
Garden designer and television personality Ann-Marie Powell prefers the ‘Burning Embers’ variety of marigold for its popularity among pollinators, which in turn, enhances fruit and vegetable yields in gardens.
Marigolds don’t just attract pollinators; they also lure beneficial predators like ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings which help manage pest populations, particularly aphids, thus maintaining a balanced ecosystem and protecting your crops from damage.
- Using Marigolds as Trap Crops
Marigolds serve another vital role as trap crops, particularly effective against slugs when placed around the perimeters of garden beds. As a sacrificial plant, they attract pests away from more valuable crops, mitigating damage.
Additionally, the roots of certain marigold species, such as Tagetes minuta, release chemicals that can deter common garden weeds like couch grass and bindweed, notes master horticulturist Peter Lickorish.
- Pest Repellent Properties
French marigolds are known to repel various pests through the natural chemical compounds within their tissues. These compounds are particularly effective against nematodes and pests that target tomatoes and peppers.
Research has shown that marigolds might also help deter cabbage moths and, to some extent, repel whiteflies, making them excellent companions for brassica plants and others troubled by these pests.
- Managing Nematodes
Marigolds are particularly noted for their ability to combat nematodes—microscopic, worm-like pests that can damage crops. While some nematodes benefit the soil, others are harmful to garden plants. Marigolds secrete substances from their roots that act as natural nematicides.
However, the effectiveness of marigolds varies, and it’s challenging to identify the specific nematodes present in the soil. Despite this, areas previously occupied by marigolds tend to have fewer nematode issues, benefiting subsequent plantings.
- Natural Mulch
At the end of the growing season, marigolds can be chopped and dropped onto the soil. This practice doesn’t eliminate nematodes but supports the soil’s ecosystem, which in turn helps control harmful nematode populations. Additionally, using marigolds as mulch enhances overall soil health, benefiting a variety of crops.
- Boosting Yields
Incorporating marigolds into your vegetable garden not only saves space but also provides extra benefits. These plants are compact and versatile, fitting neatly into small spaces. They contribute not just to the health of neighboring plants but also offer edible petals for culinary use, essential oils for perfumery, and vibrant flowers for decoration.
- Effective Ground Cover
Marigolds serve as an excellent ground cover, helping to protect the soil, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds without competing aggressively for nutrients. They are low-maintenance, requiring minimal nutrients, and thus do not deprive nearby plants of essential resources. While planning your garden, consider the light, water, and space needs to optimally position marigolds and maximize their benefits.
Common Mistakes in Companion Planting with Marigolds
Companion planting offers a plethora of advantages for your garden, but it’s easy to negate these benefits by making a few common errors. Fortunately, with a bit of know-how, you can ensure your marigolds and other plants flourish beautifully. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- Insufficient Space
Every plant needs its own space to grow well. Before you start planting, make sure to evaluate the space available and consider the final size of your plants. Crowding them too closely can stifle their growth and negatively impact the yield of vegetable plants.
- Water and Nutrient Balance
Marigolds are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to their nutritional needs. If they’re planted alongside more nutrient-hungry crops, be mindful. Overfeeding can lead to excessive growth in some plants at the expense of others, disrupting the balance in your garden.
- Sunlight Compatibility
Understanding the sunlight needs of your plants is crucial. Group plants with similar sunlight demands to ensure they all get the conditions they need to thrive. Alternatively, you can use taller plants to provide necessary shade for those that prefer less direct sunlight.
- Plants to Steer Clear of When Growing Marigolds
Marigolds are renowned for their compatibility with most garden plants, making them exceptional companions for a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
However, there are a couple of exceptions to keep in mind. It’s generally advised to avoid planting beans and cabbage near marigolds. This recommendation stems from the natural chemicals that marigolds release from their roots, which can adversely affect these plants.
Companion Plants for Marigolds
Looking to add a splash of vibrant color and a trusted ally to your garden? Here are the top-notch companion plants that thrive when planted with marigolds.
- Basil
This herb isn’t just for cooking; its delightful aroma makes it a garden favorite. Basil comes in numerous varieties, all of which are simple to start from seeds. It’s particularly resilient in warm weather and makes an excellent autumn crop.
When paired with marigolds, basil is safeguarded aga inst slugs and snails
- Garlic
Although marigolds often play the support role in companion planting, garlic holds its own by emitting a strong scent that deters creatures from spider mites to deer and snails.
- Tomatoes
Tomato plants are a fun and straightforward addition to your garden if they receive plenty of sunlight and space. While susceptible to certain pests, interplanting them with marigolds helps keep these nuisances away.
Marigolds also attract essential pollinators, ensuring your tomatoes are well-pollinated and productive. Together, marigolds help fend off nematode attacks on tomato roots and bring in pollinators like bumblebees, vital for tomato growth.
- Cucumbers
Cultivating cucumbers offers great satisfaction, providing fresh vegetables in the summer. They can spread extensively, but growing them on trellises or fences saves space and allows for more diverse planting.
Planting marigolds near your trellised cucumbers or around their borders helps protect them from persistent insects throughout the growing season. Thanks to marigolds’ unique scent, pests like squash bugs, whiteflies, and thrips will steer clear, ensuring a bountiful cucumber harvest all season long.
- Watermelon
Watermelons depend heavily on bees for pollination, and marigolds are fantastic at attracting these vital pollinators. Plus, marigolds help control aphids, which often target watermelon plants.
- Pumpkin
Marigolds not only prevent pests like squash bugs and nematodes from damaging your pumpkins, they also enhance your garden’s aesthetic with their bright blooms, creating a stunning fall display alongside your pumpkins.
- Eggplant
Battling root-knot nematodes in your eggplants? Marigolds emit a potent scent that naturally repels these pests, protecting your crop.
- Asparagus
To safeguard your asparagus from asparagus beetles during the summer harvest, plant marigolds nearby. Their presence naturally wards off these pests, allowing your asparagus to flourish.
- Carrots
Easy to grow, carrots benefit greatly from being planted with marigolds. Not only do marigolds deter pests like carrot rust flies and psyllids, but they also contribute to tastier, sweeter carrots by increasing the carotenoid and sugar content in the soil.
- Summer Squash
As summer approaches, planting marigolds can provide multiple benefits for your squash plants. These flowers deter pests and attract pollinators, ensuring your squash thrives and produces abundantly through late fall.
- Bell Peppers
Marigolds are perfect partners for bell peppers, as they repel nematodes and thrive under the same sunny conditions. Both plants love the full sun, making them ideal neighbors in your garden.
- Onions
Say goodbye to roundworms and root-knot nematodes, common foes of onions. Marigolds keep these pests at bay while also deterring rodents that could harm your underground bulbs.
- Radishes
Protect your radish crops from flea beetles and aphids by planting marigolds nearby. Their strong scent acts as a natural pest deterrent. Plus, marigolds help attract beneficial pollinators while keeping the soil loose and weed-free, which is great for radish growth.
- Strawberries
Both strawberries and marigolds flourish in the warm summer sun and can tolerate drought. Marigolds serve as a natural barrier against deer and rabbits, which are attracted to strawberries.
- Lettuce
Combat nematodes and aphids with marigolds. They also block slugs, protecting your lettuce from these slimy pests. Lettuce, which requires minimal maintenance, benefits from the shade provided by marigolds during hot weather, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the season.
- Potatoes
Growing marigolds alongside potatoes can shield them from the Colorado potato beetle and rabbits. Marigolds also release a compound that suppresses nematodes in the soil, ensuring healthier, blemish-free potatoes.
- Chives
Marigolds are like the bouncers of the garden, keeping aphids and nematodes at bay, ensuring they don’t bother your chives. These bright flowers also lure butterflies who help manage any aphids daring enough to show up.
- Lavender
Known for their simplicity and low maintenance, marigolds and lavender are a match made in gardening heaven. Lavender wards off pests while its striking purple flowers draw in pollinators and other helpful insects.
Together, they form an effective barrier against pests, safeguarding plants like tomatoes and peppers. Plus, they both love the sun and are drought-tolerant, making them perfect for a vibrant, summer-to-fall garden.
- Cilantro
When it comes to repelling insects, marigolds and cilantro are in sync, especially useful during the cooler days surrounding the peak of summer heat.
- Sage
Sage may be a bit challenging to grow, but it thrives in full sun and can tolerate less-than-perfect soils. Surrounding your sage with marigolds helps fend off aphids, spider mites, and even snails. Their combined resilience and stunning contrast in colors make for a beautiful and robust garden display.
- Oregano
This aromatic herb not only enhances your dishes but also your garden’s health, attracting beneficial insects like lacewings and hoverflies. Plant oregano and marigolds together around vulnerable crops to create a natural pest deterrent.
- Thyme
Thyme teams up with marigolds to fortify your garden against pests. It thrives in full sun, attracts beneficial insects, and repels harmful ones. Consider planting thyme along the borders or edges of your garden beds with marigolds to form a natural, pest-repelling barrier.
- Dill
This herb attracts unwanted garden visitors like caterpillars, rabbits, and slugs. Introducing marigolds nearby can keep these pests at bay, ensuring your dill thrives for those tasty homemade pickles.
However, be mindful when planting dill near certain vegetables; it can inhibit the growth of carrots and eggplants. Despite their pest appeal, the presence of marigolds can discourage these critters from lingering.
- Dusty Miller
Known for its decorative foliage, dusty miller doesn’t require blooms to stand out. Adding marigolds provides a contrasting color splash. Dusty miller thrives under the same hot, sunny, and dry conditions favored by marigolds, making them a great pairing.
- Salvia
Both salvia and marigolds love the sun and heat, and their combined vibrant colors create an inviting environment for bees and butterflies. Planting them together not only enhances the visual appeal but also supports a thriving pollinator-friendly garden. Arrange marigolds at the forefront and salvia behind for a layered effect in your flower beds.
- Gerbera Daisies
Marigolds act as a natural pest control, trapping aphids and whiteflies that could harm your gerbera daisies. The color combination of these two plants adds an exuberant touch to any summer garden.
- Asters
Place marigolds and asters together in a sunny area. These bright, sun-loving plants support each other in attracting pollinators, vital for a healthy garden.
- Cornflower
Also known as bachelor buttons, these flowers thrive alongside marigolds, enhancing the garden’s allure for bees and butterflies with their vibrant colors. They are robust, blooming throughout the summer and adapting to various soil types.
- Roses
While roses are stunning, they often attract pests. Planting marigolds around roses helps repel aphids, nematodes, and beetles, safeguarding your roses’ beauty.
- Zinnias
These flowers are well-known for their drought resilience and vivid colors throughout the hot summer months. While zinnias don’t specifically benefit from marigolds’ pest repelling properties, the duo creates a dazzling display and invites a plethora of pollinators.
- Broccoli
Surround your broccoli with marigolds to leverage their natural pest-repelling abilities. These bright flowers deter unwanted beetles and caterpillars. Plus, since marigolds require minimal calcium, they won’t compete with broccoli for this essential soil nutrient.
- Lantana
Thriving in warm climates, lantana is extremely heat-resistant. While lantana and marigolds don’t specifically benefit each other’s growth, their striking color mix and similar drought tolerance make them excellent partners in your garden, especially during the hotter months.
- Geraniums
Popular for their low upkeep and ability to flourish in both sun and shade, geraniums bloom abundantly with regular deadheading. Marigolds help keep slugs at bay, protecting your geraniums and enhancing their growth as effective companion plants.
- Nasturtium
Even though marigolds are consistent bloomers, they can have off periods. Nasturtiums, with their continuous and vibrant blossoms, ensure your garden remains colorful. They also repel harmful insects while attracting beneficial ones, making them ideal for vegetable patches.
- Alyssum
Known for attracting pollinators, sweet alyssum showcases tiny, fragrant purple and white blooms that enhance any garden’s beauty and scent throughout the summer. Planting them alongside marigolds not only creates a delightful visual but also mimics the benefits of mulch by retaining moisture, particularly in warm weather.
- Snapdragons
A favorite among gardeners, snapdragons handle both cool and warm climates with ease. Available in a variety of colors, their upright growth is perfect for adding structure to your garden.
They don’t specifically benefit from marigolds, but together, they can enhance the aesthetic of containers or patio pots, with snapdragons standing tall as a centerpiece or lining the back of a floral display.
- Vinca
Often known simply as vinca, this annual is perfect for those sun-drenched, drought-prone areas of your garden. It boasts vivid, continuous blooms from early summer to fall, making it a standout in both gardens and containers.
- Calendula
Commonly called ‘pot marigold’, calendula is a fantastic companion for marigolds or any sun-loving plants. This low-maintenance, heat-tolerant annual attracts pollinators and lights up the garden with its bright, cheerful flowers. Although similar in appearance to marigolds, calendulas offer distinct herbal benefits and vibrant hues of orange and yellow.
- Petunias
These popular annuals come in a dazzling array of colors and sizes. Ideal for sunny spots, petunias fill spaces effortlessly and require little care. While they don’t gain direct advantages from marigolds, their pairing is visually appealing. Petunias are heavy feeders, unlike marigolds, which means less competition for nutrients.
- Verbena
Often mistaken for lantana, verbena is a robust, low-growing annual that excels in hot conditions and blooms in nearly every color imaginable. It’s perfect for containers or ground cover and benefits from regular deadheading to remain vibrant.
- Strawflower
Known for their unique, crispy-textured, daisy-like blooms, strawflowers are a delightful addition, especially in the warm, dry months. They don’t specifically interact with marigolds, but their similar care requirements make them easy companions in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marigolds
- Can I plant marigolds deeper than how they come from the store?
Absolutely! Feel free to plant marigolds deeper by burying part of their stems. This helps them establish a robust root system.
- Is it okay to grow marigolds in the same pot as other flowers?
Marigolds thrive best when given their own space due to their deep root system and need for plenty of sunlight. However, they can share a pot with other sun-loving plants that have shallower roots.
- Are some types of marigolds better than others for repelling insects?
While all marigolds are good at keeping pests at bay, French marigolds stand out. They have stronger insect-repelling properties, making them the top choice if pest control is your goal.
- Will marigolds spread uncontrollably in my garden?
Don’t worry—marigolds won’t overrun your garden. They might self-seed and return in the spring, but they aren’t invasive and tend to stay within manageable bounds.
- What should I do if my marigolds aren’t flowering?
For lush blooms, marigolds need lots of sunshine—about 6-8 hours a day. If yours aren’t blooming, they might not be getting enough light. Make sure they’re in a spot where they can soak up the sun!
