One of the first things I planted after putting in my garden was a border of French marigolds. I love them for their compact size and bright, cheerful blooms. They’re resistant to heat & poor soil, and will continue to bloom well into the fall. However, the plants will get leggy and you’ll have fewer blooms if they’re over watered.
French marigolds are one of the best companions for your veggies, which is why they’re often planted as a veggie garden border. Like all marigolds, they have natural pest-repelling properties. They release a strong odor that repels many insects, including mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies. Planting French marigolds around vegetables can help keep nematodes at bay. The roots of marigold produce a chemical that inhibits slugs & snails from finding your veggies.
They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and butterflies, especially when planted in masses. A couple of years ago I even saw a hummingbird dancing among my marigolds, although I wasn’t quick enough to get a picture.
I’ve learned recently that the flower petals of French marigold are edible. You can add them to a salad or steep them, either fresh or dried, to make marigold tea. They can be added to a stir-fry, or cooked with rice to add flavour and colour. I'll definitely be trying out marigold in some recipes this year!
French marigolds are smaller than their African marigold counterparts, typically growing to be around 6-12 inches tall. They come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and bi-colors. It’s been several years since I first bought a packet of marigold seeds, so I don’t recall the variety name. My seeds are true to type, meaning they produce a plant the same as the parent, so they’ll be an heirloom or open pollinated variety rather than a hybrid.
French marigolds are a beautiful and versatile plant that offers many benefits to gardeners. They are easy to grow, low maintenance, and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for any garden. Whether you're planting them for their pest-repelling properties or their ornamental value, French marigolds are sure to add color and cheer to your garden.
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