Growing and Sowing French Marigold

The Tagetes, also known as African and French Marigold, is a low-growing, annual flower species. The plant does not originate, as the name suggests, from Africa, but from Central America and Mexico. Tagetes Erecta are known as African Marigolds, Tagetes Patula are called French Marigolds. Marigolds are often planted in ornamental gardens. The plants can be used in the vegetable garden as a natural defense against all kinds of pests. In addition, the flowers of the marigolds are edible and have a medicinal effect.

Sowing and growing Marigold

Almost everyone knows them, Marigold. They belong to the composite family and are annual border plants. There are both single- and double-flowered species. Some of these nice flowers have a somewhat penetrating, unpleasant smell. The single-flowered Tagetes in particular have this strong scent. This smell keeps (harmful) insects away. That is why they are used as a natural repellent in ornamental and vegetable gardens. Marigold can also be used as green manure. By digging them under after flowering, they will compost and release nutrients into the soil.

Sowing Marigold

Pre-sowing, indoors or under glass, can be done from mid-March. The plants can be planted out after 5 to 6 weeks, preferably after Ice Saints. From mid-May, after Ice Saints, Marigold can be sown in the open ground. This can be done directly in the right place or in a seedbed. After about 6 weeks, the plants can be planted out. Marigold can also be sown in pots. As green manure, the plants must remain for at least 3 months before mixed into the soil.

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Position and soil for Marigold seeds

Marigold prefer a sunny spot in the garden, but they also do well in partial shade. The soil may be both poor and nutrient-rich and should remain slightly moist. They do not grow on clay soil, so first improve the soil by adding compost.

How to care for your Marigold plants

Marigold require little care. Regular watering is sufficient.

Are Marigolds bee and/or butterfly friendly?

Although the scent repels many harmful insects, the flowers attract a lot of bees and butterflies. Marigold can therefore be sown in a bee or butterfly garden.

Marigold in the vegetable garden

Marigolds are often sown in the vegetable garden. They have a distinct smell, which is not appreciated by all insects. This makes them a natural pesticide against aphids, mosquitoes, harmful nematodes and beetles for example. By placing them between vegetables, pests can be prevented. And it looks cheerful too! Be careful, snails find this smell attractive.

Are Marigolds edible and/or medicinal?

The flowers of both the single-flowered and double-flowered Marigold are edible. They are used a lot in Latin American cuisine in particular. The leaves of the single-flowered can be added as is, the leaves of the double-flowered need to be pulled apart a little. The leaves can be eaten raw, e.g. in salads or as a garnish, but they can also be cooked. The flavour is spicy and lemony. Tea can also be made of the leaves. This tea is said to be medicinal and good for digestion and has a calming effect. It could also be used externally for eczema and wounds.

Please note, we at Dutch Garden Seeds do not give medical advice. Always ask a professional if and how the plant can be used medicinally.

Marigold Seeds in our collection

We have several varieties of Marigold in our range. For example low, small and large-flowered. Each variety is described on our website.

Tips for sowing Marigold

• Regularly remove dead flowers. This will make the plant flower longer.
• As a green manure crop, Marigold can also be sown later, until August. They will probably no longer flower but the plant itself still releases its nutrients to the soil.
• Never let the soil dry out completely, but water regularly.

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