Ezhuttukari / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Marigold
Calendula
EdibleMedicinal
Edible PartsFlowers
Overview
One of the most useful companion plants in the garden, marigolds exude substances from their roots that suppress nematodes and repel many common pests. Their cheerful orange, yellow, and red blooms are also edible, adding color to salads and rice. French and African marigolds (Tagetes) are the garden workhorses, while Mexican marigold (T. lucida) is used as a tarragon substitute.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.3m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Apr — Apr | Start 6 weeks before last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start 6 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant after last frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start 6 weeks before last frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow after last frost |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow in spring |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Direct sow; also fall planting Sep-Oct |
Uses
Culinary
- Petals added to salads, rice, and eggs for color
- Used as a saffron substitute in some Latin American dishes
- Mexican marigold (Tagetes lucida) used as tarragon substitute
Medicinal
- Traditional use for wound healing and skin inflammation
- Calendula-like properties for digestive and skin health
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
Other Uses
- Premier companion plant for pest suppression
- Root exudates suppress harmful soil nematodes
- Attracts beneficial insects including hoverflies
