Marigolds: Easy Color with a Pest-Repelling Bonus
Tagetes spp.
Marigolds are the easiest annual for beginners. Bright orange, yellow, and mahogany blooms from early summer to frost. Their pungent foliage deters whiteflies and nematodes, making them a classic vegetable-garden companion.
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Hardiness zones
Annual
Height
6 in – 3 ft
Bloom time
Early summer to frost
Care & Growing Tips
Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 6 weeks earlier. Thrives in average soil — rich soil produces foliage at the expense of blooms. Deadhead regularly to extend flowering. African types grow tall; French types stay compact.
Companion Plants
Design your marigolds garden
See marigolds in your own yard before you plant. Upload a photo to Arden and visualize complete garden designs featuring marigolds alongside companion plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Do marigolds really repel pests?
French marigolds release compounds that suppress root-knot nematodes in the soil. Their scent also deters whiteflies and some beetles. Effect is real but modest — think of them as supporting players in pest management, not a silver bullet.
Q2 Do marigolds come back every year?
No — marigolds are true annuals that die with the first hard frost. They reseed generously in warm climates, which can look like regrowth. For a reliable return, save seed heads in fall and direct-sow after frost in spring.
Q3 Why are my marigold leaves yellowing?
Most often overwatering or poor drainage — marigolds prefer dry conditions and average soil. Let soil dry between waterings. If lower leaves yellow and plant looks wilted despite water, check for root rot — the fix is better drainage and less water.