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The striking beauty of French marigolds alone makes them a must-have in your vegetable garden. But their added perks, like pest repulsion, pollinator attraction, and fuss-free growth, elevate them to the status of the ultimate flowering companion plant!
Marigolds are indeed top-tier companions for your vegetable garden. Their multitude of vibrant blooms acts like a magnet for pollinators, attracting them in large numbers. But here’s the kicker: those very blooms are also excellent at warding off pests and insects—the very ones that can wreak havoc on your precious garden in the blink of an eye.
As you’ll soon discover, while all marigold varieties can lend a hand in a vegetable garden, there’s one standout: the French marigold. It truly shines above the rest with its exceptional qualities and benefits.
Planting French Marigolds In A Vegetable Garden
Types Of Marigolds
Among the three main types of marigolds – African, Signet, and French – African marigolds take the prize for their towering height, often reaching an impressive 3 to 4 feet. Their blooms, which can span about 5 inches each, are a sight to behold. However, their large size isn’t always ideal for vegetable gardens, as they can cast too much shade over the neighboring plants.
Signet marigolds, while lesser-known, boast a charming mounding growth habit, typically standing around 6 inches tall or shorter. What sets them apart is their edible petals. Yet, their diminutive stature doesn’t attract as many beneficial pests.
Now, onto the stars of the show: French marigolds. They steal the spotlight in the vegetable garden scene. Standing at a manageable height of 10 to 12 inches when mature, they strike the perfect balance. Their 2-inch blooms are just the right size to entice a plethora of pollinators and beneficial insects, without overshadowing the neighboring veggies. Plus, let’s not forget their stunning flowers!
African marigolds indeed command more space with their larger stature, often sprawling over a considerable area. Plus, they tend to produce fewer blooms per plant compared to their counterparts.
These plants truly are a force to be reckoned with in the garden. They take the crown for being incredibly easy to plant. But what sets them apart is their unmatched ability to repel pests and attract pollinators. Their fragrant blooms and foliage work tirelessly, outshining any other companion plant out there—all while adding a touch of breathtaking beauty to your garden.
Let’s take a closer look at just how remarkable French marigolds are and why they deserve a spot in your vegetable garden this year!
4 Big Reasons You Should Be Planting French Marigolds In Your Vegetable Garden This Year
#1 Repelling Pests
Planting French marigolds in your vegetable garden is a savvy move, especially for their remarkable pest-repelling prowess. The oils and aroma they emit are potent. It’s not your typical pleasant floral scent; rather, it’s a robust fragrance that many insects find intolerable. Among the pests that can’t stand this powerful aroma are cabbage bugs, whiteflies, nematodes, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, and even mosquitoes.
French marigolds don’t just deter insects; they’re also effective at keeping larger pests like rabbits, squirrels, and deer at bay. These animals, much like their smaller counterparts, are thoroughly repelled by the strong scent emitted by the flower.
To maximize their potent scent, strategically plant multiple French marigolds along the border of your vegetable garden. Incorporate them among popular veggies like tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and cabbages. The more marigolds you can add, the greater defense your vegetables will enjoy against pests!
#2 Bringing In Pollinators – Why To Plant French Marigolds In A Vegetable Garden
French marigolds aren’t just pest repellents; they’re also fantastic at drawing in a plethora of beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Honeybees, wasps, and butterflies can’t resist the allure of the vibrant, colorful blooms that marigolds offer. As these pollinators flit from one bloom to another, they inadvertently pollinate the vegetable crops in your garden, ensuring fruitful yields.
What’s more, each marigold plant can churn out hundreds of blooms throughout the growing season. They’re the gift that keeps on giving, blooming persistently until the first frost, long after other annuals have called it quits.
French marigolds act as magnets for a diverse array of pollinators, which is a massive boon for nearby blooming vegetable plants. Their ability to attract various pollinators ensures efficient pollination, leading to healthier and more abundant yields for your vegetable garden.
This steady supply of blooms is great for attracting pollinators to your garden well into late summer and early fall. That can be key for late season crops that sometimes struggle to be pollinated.
#3 Beautifying Your Garden – Why To Plant French Marigolds In A Vegetable Garden
Planting French marigolds in your vegetable garden not only offers practical benefits but also enhances the beauty and visual appeal of your space. Imagine gazing out into your garden and being greeted by a vibrant display of fiery red, yellow, and orange blooms against the lush green foliage of your vegetable plants.
Vegetable gardens often lack in color, but with marigolds in the mix, that narrative shifts entirely. Particularly with the two French marigold varieties mentioned below, which are known for their ease of growth from seed.
French marigolds stand out for their simplicity when it comes to planting and growing from seed. Thanks to their compact size, you can sow French marigold seeds directly into the soil alongside your other garden vegetables when you’re planting them. This convenience makes them a hassle-free addition to any garden.
Marigold seeds are quick to germinate, which means you can sow them directly into your garden spaces, saving both time and money during planting. Their rapid growth makes them a cost-effective and efficient choice for any gardener.
The Best Way To Plant French Marigolds
For successful growth, sow French marigold seeds in well-draining, fertile soil, and opt for garden spots that bask in full sun to encourage abundant blooms. Cover the seeds lightly with about ⅛ inch of soil, then give them a good watering. With their rapid germination, you can expect to see sprouts in just one to two weeks, though some may pop up as early as three days.
When planting seeds outdoors, wait until the soil warms up to around 65º Fahrenheit or higher. Warmer soil speeds up germination and helps the plants establish more swiftly. The sooner they grow and start blooming, the sooner they can get to work attracting pollinators and warding off pests!
French marigolds also thrive when cultivated in pots and containers. A 12-inch pot can comfortably accommodate two to three marigold plants. Growing them in containers offers the added perk of mobility, allowing you to relocate the beneficial presence of marigolds wherever needed in your garden.
