Bright orange flowers add a splash of color to your garden. But, those lovely marigold flowers can also provide a natural pest deterrent as well as strength to other plants.
We talk about a number of plants that make great companions for marigold and have found two vegetables that experts disagree on. After you check out the rest of this marigold companion guide, be sure to also check out our guides on growing marigold and companion planting guides.
Marigold Companion Planting
Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles.
Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.
Marigolds, Cabbage & Broccoli.
As you might have noticed, I listed cabbage on both the good companions and the bad companions lists. Like so many things in gardening, the experts often have differing opinions. Cabbage and I suspect it’s fellow Brassica broccoli appear to be questionable companions. Since neither of our conflicting sources mentioned why they felt positively or negatively about cabbage as a companion, it might be best to assume the worst and consider both broccoli and cabbage as bad companions for marigolds.
Marigold & Insects
Marigolds have traditionally been used as borders around treasured flower beds and vegetable gardens. Scented varieties of marigold will deter beetles, beet leaf hoppers, Mexican bean beetle and nematodes. Pot marigold repels asparagus beetle and tomato worm and Mexican marigold is thought to repel rabbits.
We found out the hard way that the newer hybrid marigolds have not retained this natural pest controlling scent. We purchased some light yellow plants and the ravenous aphids promptly destroyed them. Of course, I suppose, you could argue that the nasty little things were so busy eating our marigolds that they left our vegetable garden unmolested.
Not all the news about marigold is good though. They do tend to attract spider mites and slugs.
Marigolds as a Natural Pesticide.
The roots of French marigolds produce a chemical that is so strong it is an effective pesticide for years after the plants are gone.
Mexican marigolds produce a stronger version of this chemical which has the potential to inhibit the growth of some of the more tender herbs.
Additional Marigold Information
(Calendula officinalis, Linn.)
To learn more about growing marigolds be sure to check out our marigold fact sheet.
Further Reading
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore marigolds. Their colors are so bright and striking in a garden. But, when it comes down to it, many of us plant them in hopes that they will be able to chase away harmful garden pests or at least keep them away from more valuable things like our prize tomatoes. If you are trying to keep your garden pesticide free, The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control: A Complete Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Garden and Yard the Earth-Friendly Way might offer some additional ideas to winning the war against aphids or whatever little insect demons are plaguing your garden.
Manuela bedoya
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I am 75 years old and just decided to learn about the beautiful marigold and after learning all their qualities I love them more now than ever beforre!
Michele
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Aw, thank you Manuela. Marigolds seem so under-appreciated. So glad you enjoyed my post!
Under companion planting, cabbage is listed as beneficial and as bad…
Paul
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…and then I read further. Apologies!
Michele
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No worries. There’s so many variables involved that what works in one area might not work in another (or just might be folklore that doesn’t work at all). I’ve heard time and time again to plant marigolds to deter bunnies. Yet, I’ve seen where bunnies actually ate them – guess they didn’t get the memo they’re supposed to hate them.
Dennis
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they(rabbits) like the tender baby marigolds. after a couple weeks they are no longer fond of them.
I have a very small back area and have marigold starts against the fence. I ended up with several strong marigold seedlings and I’m wondering if I can plant a couple in the area of the morning glories or if that is a bad idea. I’m sorry if this is not the right place for such a question. Thank you
elaine
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Sorry I meant I have morning glory starts against the fence and wondering if I could put a couple Marigold starts next to them
Michele
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To be honest, I’m guessing here, but; our experience with morning glory is it kinda grows where it wants to; and it often grows in odd places. I would think if they’re already established that the marigolds wouldn’t bother it. Maybe just plant a few starts? Hopefully, we’ll get someone else to stop by and share their own experience.
Rhonda
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Your first paragraph is rather unclear. Your first sentence states marigolds are good companions for cabbage and your second sentence says cabbage is a bad companion for marigolds???
Michele
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And, the next paragraph said that the “expert” opinions did not explain why companion planting marigold with cabbage is preferred or not; which is why I mentioned both and suggested to assume the worst rather than risk losing your crop.
Helgs
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Your yellow “marigolds” were probably actually calendula officinallis, sometimes referred to as pot marigolds, but are not at all the same as what we know as Marigolds (tagetes …). Here’s a link to help with the confusion. https://unrulygardening.com/calendula-vs-marigolds-the-differences/ They are completely different plants, and I’ve definately noticed that Calendula do not hold up to pests like Marigolds do.
Michele
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That would make a ton of sense! Particularly as we watched the very pests that were supposed to hate marigolds happily munching on them. But after visiting the article you suggested; we did have true marigolds. I do wonder though if they’ve been so very hybridized that they have become somewhat less effective for pest management.
Marigolds come in vibrant yellow, red, and orange hues, which can be beautifully paired with complementary colors of other flowers in the garden landscape. Try interplanting marigolds with allium, coreopsis, roses, salvia, bachelor buttons, lavender, and geranium plants for eye-catching appeal.
Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Marigold also makes a good companion plant to melons because it deters beetles. Beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds.
In planting beds, space African marigolds 10 to 12 inches apart, while French marigolds should be 8 to 10 inches apart. If you're planting marigolds into containers, use a pot that's at least 10 inches across for African and larger French types.
A: Yes!Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow and make great pepper companions! A great pest deterrent based on their strong fragrance, as well as their ability to repel nematodes through their roots, marigolds are a long-standing pest deterrent in the vegetable garden.
Marigolds are one of the classic companions for zinnias. They help deter pests such as nematodes and repel aphids, whiteflies, and other harmful insects. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on garden pests.
Marigolds are considered companion plants to tomatoes in that they protect and enhance the growth of your tomatoes. So not only are these flowers pretty but they also do important jobs in the garden. What "jobs" do marigolds do in your garden? Marigolds help attract bees and other beneficial insects to tomato plants.
If you plant flowers too close together, the plants get stressed and are prone to diseases, Kole says. If air can't properly circulate and the plants can't dry out between waterings, fungus sets in. Roots can rot. And once plants are weakened from stress, insects move in.
Marigolds make for stunning outdoor container plants, due to their long-lasting color and texture. Plus, they respond well to transplanting and quickly establish new roots in soil. You can "use ordinary commercial potting soil in any kind of container, but clay pots are especially good," says Groft.
Petunias don't directly benefit from marigolds as a companion, but they make a great pair. Petunias are heavy feeders, and marigolds are not. Therefore when planting the two together, the petunias won't be fighting for nutrients since the marigolds won't be using as much.
Plant marigolds in between the veggies for eco-friendly pest control. Marigolds are used as a companion plant in the vegetable garden to lure pests away from the vegetables and also to attract insects which will predate the pests.
Being a hardy annual, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) can be sown direct into the soil outside in March, April, or May for summer flowers the same year. Alternatively, they can be sown direct into the soil outside in August or September for flowers the following year.
Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep. Thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties; allow 12 inches (30 cm) between very tall varieties.
Marigolds. Marigolds and cucumbers are another excellent companion plant pairing for your garden. This is because marigolds are some of the absolute best plants to grow if you want to naturally repel garden pests. Some of the many insects that avoid the scent of marigolds include thrips, white flies, and squash bugs.
Try planting marigolds in a border around your garden or use them at random in the rows. Mix up their sizes and colors or go for a uniform look. Planting marigolds can attract beneficial insects to your garden, such as bees and aphid-eating ladybugs.
They don't just draw in those pollinators, they also draw in insects to help you in organic pest control. Marigolds can help to bring in ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, parasitic mini-wasps and other predatory insects that will eat aphids and other pests which can damage your crops.
Marigolds and lavender make excellent companions because they both love full sun, well-drained soil, and have similar water requirements. Additionally, marigolds are known for their ability to repel certain pests, including nematodes and some types of beetles.
Do marigolds spread? Marigolds are rapidly growing plants and most varieties are self-seeding, which means they will drop seeds and spread throughout your yard or garden. Limit the ability to self-seed by deadheading before blooms go to seed.
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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