Marigold
Marigold (Tagetes)
Scientific Name: Tagetes spp.
Common Names: Marigold, African Marigold, French Marigold
Native to: Native to the Americas (Mexico, Central and South America)
Lighting Requirements: Full sun. Marigolds thrive in bright, direct sunlight and require at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and blooming.
Height: 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on the variety
Width: 6 to 18 inches, depending on the variety
Winter Look: Grown as an annual in most climates, marigolds die back after the first frost.
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall, with peak blooming in summer
Drought Tolerance: Moderate. Marigolds can tolerate short periods of drought once established but perform best with regular watering.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil with good organic content
pH Range: 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Deer Resistance: Moderate. Deer usually avoid marigolds due to their strong scent, though they may nibble on them if other food sources are scarce.
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Potential Issues: Susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot. Overwatering can lead to poor growth and disease.
Notes: Marigolds are a popular and easy-to-grow annual known for their bright, cheerful flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are commonly used in bedding, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Marigolds are also known for their ability to repel certain pests, making them excellent companion plants in vegetable gardens. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Marigolds are low-maintenance and perform well in sunny, well-drained locations with moderate watering.
Marigolds are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew and spider mites. I suggest spraying them often with an organic fertilizer containing seaweed to keep spider mites away and keep some neem oil on hand just in case you see powdery mildew.
These are worth the effort, though!
They are one of the most common companion plant for vegetable gardens. The flowers are edible. They produce a chemical that harms some nematodes (this is a good thing). Marigolds also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Oh, and the deer don't like them! We're finally winning here!
