Marigold

At a glance

USDA Zones

2–11

Sun

Full sun (6+ hrs)

Water

Low — drought-tolerant once established

Soil

Loam, sandy

pH

Neutral

Spacing

9 in. between plants

Per square foot

1 plant per square

Planting & harvest windows

Northern Hemisphere timing. Adjust ±4–6 weeks based on your last/first frost dates.

Good companions

• 
  Tomato

  French marigold roots naturally suppress the tiny soil pests (nematodes) that attack tomato roots.

• 
  Pepper
• 
  Squash

  Marigolds deter squash bugs and root-knot nematodes.

• 
  Potato
• 
  Basil

Recommended varieties

• Crackerjack

  both

  Tall African marigold — huge pompom blooms.

• Bonanza

  both

  Compact French marigold, perfect bed border.

• Lemon Gem

  seed

  Tiny edible flowers with citrus flavor.