What to Plant: The Trifecta of the Merry Marigold

History

Marigolds are popular in gardens all over the world. They originated in North and South America, and have been cultivated throughout the continents. Marigolds belong to the genus, Tagetes, and are members of the Asteraceae family, the same family as the sunflower. Dependent upon the variety and growing space, marigolds can grow anywhere from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, and 6 inches to 2 feet wide. Their beauty and appeal led to purposeful cultivation, spread, resulting in numerous species and use of these flowering plants across the globe.

Most home gardeners select varieties commonly known as African (Tagetes erecta) and French (Tagetes patula) marigolds, and select smaller varieties, ranging from approximately 10 inches to 1.5 feet. In a home container garden, marigolds can serve three major roles; as ornamentals, pest control, and pollinator attractors.

Garden Uses

Marigolds as Ornamentals

The addition of marigolds to a garden can lend beautiful clusters of bright, cheery flowers to your garden space, with as big of an impact as you, the gardener, desires. Common colors include yellow, orange, red, white, and combinations and patterns in between. Dependent upon species, flowerheads can range from 1-5 inches. Read your seed packets or seedling labels for descriptions regarding size of blooms and spread when considering the visual impact you wish to have. *Note: Many marigold varieties make excellent additions to bouquets and cut flower displays.

Pest Control

The scent of French and African marigolds repel numerous insect pests that are known to feast on desired garden crops and plants, including aphids, whiteflies and other destructive flies, hornworms, and cabbageworms. They attract predatory insects to control pest populations, such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies and wasps. Marigolds can also serve as a trap crop for thrips and spider mites.

French marigold varieties produce toxins in their roots that slow and kill root nematodes. Root nematodes are microscopic roundworm parasites known for infesting roots of popular vegetable garden crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, particularly those grown in-ground. *Note: If you are using good quality potting soil vs. yard soil, nematodes should be rare in a container garden.

Pollinator Support

Many marigold varieties are great for attracting a variety of bees, butterflies and moths, especially when planted for larger clusters or in groups. Planting marigolds throughout your container garden space can ensure that you have these pollinators at the ready when your crops are in bloom. This can increase your fruit and vegetable yield. Not to mention, your garden becomes a more active food source for this vulnerable population.

Other Uses

While not practical for most home gardeners, it is worth the mention to state the vast impact and use of marigolds, including commercial, agricultural, and cultural, all over the world.

Varieties of marigolds are grown and processed for extraction of marigold oil used in the fragrance industry.

Other marigold species are used to flavor dishes in the culinary world and traditional dishes throughout South America. Powders and extracts are also made from marigold blooms to color foods for both human and animal consumption.

The allure of marigolds cannot be denied. Bright, fragrant marigolds are also popular ornamentals/decor in festivals and cultural celebrations all over Asia and South America.

Care and Maintenance

Ensure well-draining soil, and try your best to water from below instead of wetting the foliage to limit unfavorable conditions caused by excessive moisture. See ideas for effective watering, here. If you prefer to water manually, wait until the top layer of soil is dry. Do not handle when wet to reduce likelihood of spread of mildew or spread of other disease/infection.

Always use clean pruners or clippers, and prune to encourage bushiness and to rid of infected areas as indicated. Monitor and treat for insect infestation as needed. See pointers for use of natural insecticides, fungicides, and plant care, here.

Deadhead to promote continuous bloom production throughout the growing season.

Then there’s nothing left to do, but sit back and enjoy the display!

Purchase Options

You are likely to find marigold seed and seedling varieties at your local nurseries, big box retailers, and online nurseries and stores. Below are a few link to explore your options. We frequently sow Durango Outback Mix marigold seeds (a French marigold variety). These have been quite hardy and prolific over the years.