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Top Companion Plants for Marigolds: Boost Growth and Control Pests

Marigolds are among the most versatile and beneficial flowers in the garden. Known for their vibrant blooms and ease of care, they are also prized for their ability to deter a wide variety of pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies, making them a perfect companion plant for both flower and vegetable gardens.

Marigold Flowers, Marigold, Marigolds Flowers, Types of Marigolds, Annuals, Summer Annuals, Yellow Flowers

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are among the most versatile and beneficial flowers in the garden. Known for their vibrant blooms and ease of care, these annuals or perennials are also prized for their ability to deter a wide variety of pests. They contain compounds such as pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent, and thiophenes, which help control nematodes and other soil-borne pests.

Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow, making them ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.

Marigold: A Garden Hero

By planting marigolds alongside vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you can create a natural barrier against many garden pests without using chemical pesticides. Here’s a list of pests commonly repelled by marigolds:

Aphids – Small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken plants by feeding on their nutrient-rich fluids. They can cause leaves to curl, yellow, and stunt plant growth. Aphids also secrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.

Mosquitoes – Blood-sucking insects known for transmitting diseases such as malaria and dengue. Marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural mosquito repellent often used in insecticides, making marigolds helpful in deterring these pests from garden areas.

Whiteflies – Tiny, white-winged insects that feed on the underside of plant leaves. They extract plant juices, causing yellowing and weakening of the plant. They also excrete honeydew, which leads to mold growth.

Squash bugs – These pests primarily attack squash and pumpkin plants. They feed on sap from leaves, causing wilting and potentially killing the plant if infestations are severe.

cucumber beetles – Small, striped or spotted beetles that feed on the leaves, flowers, and roots of cucumbers and related crops. They can transmit bacterial wilt disease and cause significant damage to young plants.

Cabbage worms – These are the larvae of white butterflies and feed on cabbage and other brassicas. They chew holes in leaves, often causing severe defoliation, which can stifle plant growth and productivity.

Mexican bean beetles – A type of lady beetle that feeds on bean plants. They skeletonize leaves by feeding on the tissue between the veins, leading to reduced plant health and bean yields.

Flea beetles – Tiny, jumping beetles that chew small holes in the leaves of a variety of garden plants, including eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers. Heavy infestations can stunt plant growth and lower crop yields.

Colorado potato beetles: Yellow and black-striped beetles that feed on potato plants and other nightshades. Both adults and larvae can defoliate plants, causing serious damage if not controlled.

Corn earworm: Caterpillars that feed on the ears of corn, boring into kernels and causing significant crop damage. They are also pests of tomatoes, peppers, and other crops.

Root-knot nematodes – Microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that attack the roots of plants. They cause characteristic swelling or “knots” on roots, which can restrict a plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to stunted growth, wilting, yellowing leaves, and reduced yields in crops. They affect a wide range of plants, including vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots. Marigolds, especially French Marigold varieties, release chemicals that reduce nematode populations in the soil.

Gardeners often use marigolds as a companion planting strategy to protect crops without the need for chemical pesticides. By interplanting marigolds with vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you can create a healthier garden ecosystem

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Asteraceae
Genus Tagetes
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

Top Companion Plants to Pair with Marigolds for a Pest-Free Garden

Marigolds Attract Beneficial Insects

While marigolds deter harmful pests, they also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, which help control pest populations. These helpful insects feed on pests such as aphids and caterpillars, keeping your garden healthy and balanced.

Additionally, marigold flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollinating fruiting and flowering plants. By drawing in pollinators, marigolds contribute to higher yields in fruit and vegetable gardens. Learn more about attracting beneficial insects to your garden.

Beneficial Insects, Vegetable Garden, Ladybugs, Lacewings, Hoverflies, Beetles

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I put marigolds in my garden?

Marigolds thrive in full sun, so place them in areas that receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. They do well in both flower beds and vegetable gardens, making them versatile companions for many plants. Plant them near crops that benefit from their pest-repelling abilities, such as tomatoes, beans, and peppers, or use them in borders, containers, and pathways for a burst of color and pest control.

What do marigolds repel?

Marigolds are known to repel a variety of pests, including: Aphids, Mosquitoes, Whiteflies, Root-knot nematodes, Squash bugs, Cucumber beetles. Their natural compounds, like pyrethrum and thiophenes, make them effective in reducing the presence of these pests in your garden​.

Should I plant marigolds with tomatoes?

Yes, marigolds make excellent companion plants for tomatoes. They help deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and root-knot nematodes. By planting marigolds alongside tomatoes, you reduce the need for chemical pesticides and enhance the overall health of your tomato plants​.

What destroys marigolds?

Marigolds can be destroyed by various factors, including: Excessive moisture or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Snails and slugs, which feed on marigold leaves and flowers. Spider mites and thrips, which can damage marigolds, especially in hot, dry conditions. Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, can also affect marigolds if they are planted in areas with poor air circulation.

What happens if you plant marigolds too close together?

Planting marigolds too close together can result in poor air circulation, which increases the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Additionally, overcrowded marigolds may compete for nutrients and sunlight, leading to weaker plants with fewer blooms. For optimal growth, follow recommended spacing, which is typically 6-12 inches apart, depending on the marigold variety.

Garden Examples

A Long-Lasting Summer Garden Idea with Marigold and Sage
Flowers and Herbs for a Rock Garden

Recommended Guides

Why Marigolds Are Perfect for Gardens and Pots
Marigold: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Marigold And Calendula Differences
Annual vs. Perennial: Understanding the Key Differences
How to Cultivate a Thriving Bee-Friendly Garden
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
Best Annual Flowers and Plants to Spruce up Your Garden
18 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes
Companion Planting With Annuals
Edible Flowers: 30 Beautiful Blooms to Grow for Garden and Table
Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Full Sun
Wonderful Plants That Repel Insects
Best Marigold Flowers: Brighten Your Garden and Keep Bugs Away
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Plant Family Asteraceae
Genus Tagetes
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Birds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Edging
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Tagetes (Marigold)
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