Marigold Companion Plants
Flower50 days to maturity
Marigolds are bright, fast-growing annual flowers that are a staple of the companion-planting garden as much for function as for color. French and African marigolds release thiophene compounds from their roots that suppress root-knot nematodes, and their pungent foliage helps deter some above-ground pests. They bloom heavily all season with minimal care and attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
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Companion Planting Strategy for Marigold
Marigolds earn their place as companions in two ways: a dense planting of French marigolds can reduce damaging root-knot nematode populations in the soil, and their strong scent helps mask nearby crops from pests. They are commonly tucked around warm-season vegetables as a pest-deterrent border and trap planting.
Best Companion Plants for Marigold
These plants grow well alongside Marigold — providing pest control, attracting pollinators, or making better use of your garden space.
Marigolds help suppress root-knot nematodes that attack tomato roots and their scent may deter whiteflies and hornworms.
Planted as a border, marigolds attract pollinators to cucumber flowers and help repel cucumber beetles and nematodes.
Marigolds lure in pollinators and beneficial insects while their roots help reduce nematodes that trouble squash.
What Not to Plant With Marigold
Keep these away from Marigold. They compete for resources, attract shared pests, or inhibit each other's growth.
Strongly scented marigolds are traditionally kept away from beans, as some gardeners find they can inhibit the growth of young legumes nearby.
How to Grow Marigold
- Botanical name
- Tagetes patula (French) and Tagetes erecta (African)
- Family
- Aster/Daisy (Asteraceae)
- Sun
- Full sun, 6+ hours daily
- Water
- Water when top inch of soil dries; drought-tolerant once established
- Soil
- Average, well-draining soil, pH 6.0-7.0; tolerates lean soil
- Spacing
- 8-12 inches for French; 12-18 inches for African types
- Planting depth
- Sow seed 1/4 inch deep
- Germination
- 5-10 days at 70-75F
- Days to maturity
- 45-60 days from seed to first bloom
- When to plant
- Sow or transplant after the last frost once soil has warmed
- Harvest
- Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
Common Marigold Problems
Spider mites (fine webbing and stippled, yellowing leaves in hot, dry weather)
Spray plants with water to dislodge mites, raise humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to heavy infestations.
Powdery mildew (white powdery coating on leaves)
Space plants for airflow, water at the base in the morning, and remove affected foliage.
Botrytis gray mold (fuzzy gray rot on flowers, common on dense African types)
Deadhead spent blooms promptly, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Slugs and snails on seedlings (chewed young leaves, slime trails)
Hand-pick at night, use iron phosphate bait, and keep mulch pulled back from tender seedlings.
Marigold Companion Planting FAQ
What are the best companion plants for marigolds?
Marigolds are most often paired with warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash, where they help suppress root-knot nematodes and deter pests. Their flowers also draw pollinators and beneficial insects, so they work as a border around almost any vegetable bed.
What should you not plant with marigolds?
Strongly scented marigolds are traditionally kept away from beans, since some gardeners report they can inhibit young legume growth. Otherwise marigolds have very few antagonists and are widely planted throughout the garden.
Do marigolds really repel nematodes?
French marigolds (Tagetes patula) release thiophene compounds from their roots that suppress root-knot nematodes in the soil. The effect is strongest when marigolds are grown as a dense cover crop and tilled in, rather than as a few scattered plants.
How much sun do marigolds need?
Marigolds bloom best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light per day. They tolerate heat and lean soil well, but too much shade leads to fewer flowers and leggy, weak growth.
More flower companions
Plan Your Marigold Garden
Use our interactive tools to design the perfect garden with Marigold and its companions.