The French Marigold flower is one of the more amazing ‘beneficial’ garden companions that will help a number of your garden plants to thrive with it’s potent pesticide-producing root system while also offering a rather strong aroma to confuse other pests.
I believe there may be some confusion out there (I know I was initially confused) about which Marigold to purchase or to grow from seed, in order to be the ‘right’ one to classify as a ‘French Marigold’ so as to be the most effective in the garden for it’s beneficial companion properties to certain plants. First don't look for the words ‘French Marigold’ to be included on the tag along with the name. Once you let that go you will be surprised to discover that there are allot of varieties that are French Marigold’s!
There are two basic types of Marigold’s, American and French, that make up most of the huge variety that is available out there. The French Marigold varieties are bushier, generally do not grow as tall and do not have really full flowered heads like the American varieties, but they do offer the most potent affect on repelling and eliminating underground nematodes while also confusing and repelling white flies and other insects with their strong odor.
Plant Marigolds everywhere in your garden. They will flower throughout the Summer and Fall, and maybe later if it doesn’t get too cold. They are particularly helpful to tomatoes, squash, broccoli, potatoes, and peppers. Apparently you should not plant Marigold’s along with beans. Unfortunately the Marigold is an annual, requiring re-seeding each year, although the affect of their root system is said to last for a few years afterward.
List of French Marigold varieties
Aurora Series
Bonanza Series
Bonita
Boy O Boy Series
Brocade Mixed
Colossus
Disco Series
Durango Series
Dwarf Bonanza Blend
French Brocade
Golden Gate Series
Golden Guardian
Ground Control
Gypsy Sunshine
Harlequin
Harmony
Hero Series
Honeycomb
Jacket Orange, Yellow
Janie Series
Jolly Jester
La Bamba
Lemon Drop
Little Hero Series
Mars
Moonlight
Mr. Majestic
Naughty Marietta
Nema-gone
Pesche’s Gold
Petite Series
Queen Sophia
Red Marietta
Safari Series
Scarlet Sophie
Solan
Spanish Brocade
Sparky Mix
Striped Marvel
Spice Series
Troubador
Yellow Boy
Happy Marigold-ing!
