Marigold’s are one of the most popular flowers to grow in a vegetable garden. Not only do they add a beautiful array of color, but they also provide numerous benefits to the garden, including deterring pests and adding nutrients to the soil. Below we’ll discuss how to grow marigolds, the different types of marigold’s available, and their benefits to the garden.
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Growing Marigold
Marigolds are an easy-to-grow flower that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. They prefer soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and are relatively drought-tolerant once established. When planting marigolds, make sure to space them 8-10 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Marigolds require moderate watering, with a deep watering once a week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to water them too frequently. Marigolds also benefit from regular deadheading, which is the process of removing spent flowers to encourage new blooms.
Marigolds don’t require much fertilization, but they benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer once a month. A high-nitrogen fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth, which can reduce flower production.
Types of Marigold
There are three main types of marigolds: African marigolds, French marigolds, and signet marigolds.
African marigold
African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are the tallest and largest variety, with blooms up to 5 inches in diameter. The bright, bold colors of African marigolds make them a favorite of gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. This variety is often used as cut flowers and are a popular choice for flower arrangements due to their long stems and large, showy blooms. In addition to their beauty, African marigolds have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. The Aztecs used the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including skin irritations and stomach problems. The plant contains compounds such as thiophenes and thiophene derivatives that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
French marigold
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are best known for their compact size and large, brightly colored flowers. They are available in a wide range of colors, including shades of orange, yellow, red, and burgundy. French marigolds are also popular for their strong, pleasant scent, which is similar to that of tarragon or anise. It is this strong smell that makes them the perfect companion variety to repel detrimental garden pests. French marigolds are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches. The plant contains compounds such as thiophenes and thiophene derivatives that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
Signet marigold
Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) are the smallest type, with delicate foliage and small flowers. They are available in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Signet marigolds are also prized for their sweet, citrusy scent, which is often described as similar to that of lemon or tangerine. In addition to their beauty, signet marigolds are commonly used in companion planting to repel pests such as whiteflies and nematodes. They release a chemical called limonene, which is toxic to these pests and can help protect nearby plants from infestation. Signet marigolds are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections and digestive problems.
Benefits of Marigolds
This beautiful flower releases a chemical called alpha-terthienyl, which repels root-knot nematodes, a type of soil-dwelling worm that can damage plant roots. Though not scientifically proven, most gardeners swear by marigolds ability to also deter pests such as tomato hornworms, cabbageworms, thrips, squash bugs, whiteflies and others.
In addition to their pest-deterrent properties, marigolds provide other benefits to the garden. When their blooms are cut and left on the soil, they decompose and add nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium to the soil. They also improve soil structure by breaking up heavy clay soils and allowing for better water and air circulation.
A huge benefit of growing marigolds is their amazing ability to attract pollinators. When growing fruit producing crops, having an abundant amount of pollinators buzzing around is essential. Marigolds are really good at attracting bees due to their single-blooms being easier for the bees to access. This can greatly improve crop yields as the abundance of bees will ensure proper pollination of vegetable flowers.
Companion Planting with Marigolds
Marigolds are a popular choice for companion planting due to their pest-deterrent properties. Marigolds release a very strong scent that most insects can’t stand. A single plant doesn’t offer enough of a smell to deter pests, but a large quantity of the flowers directly around susceptible vegetable plants can offer some relief from detrimental insects. Marigolds should be planted near the following crops;
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Kale
- Brussel Sprouts
- Melons
- Squash
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
Marigolds are a valuable addition to any vegetable garden. They are easy to grow, require minimal care, and provide numerous benefits, including pest deterrence and soil improvement. By planting marigolds near susceptible vegetables, gardeners can reduce pest damage and improve their crop yields.
