Marigold - French Orange NEW

Description:

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are hardy, sun-loving annuals native to Central and South America, grown worldwide for their vibrant orange, yellow, and red blooms. Easy to cultivate, they thrive in a wide range of soils, provided drainage is good, and will flower almost continuously through the warmer months with minimal care. Their cheerful appearance makes them a favorite in ornamental gardens, but marigolds are far more than just decorative — they contain natural compounds that repel nematodes and certain insect pests, making them highly valued in both vegetable gardens and regenerative farming systems.

In a permaculture system, marigolds serve as excellent companion plants, acting as natural pest deterrents while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybirds. Their dense, fast-growing foliage provides ground cover, reducing weed pressure and protecting soil from erosion. When used in crop rotations or interplanted with vegetables like tomatoes, beans, and brassicas, marigolds help maintain soil health by suppressing root-knot nematodes and breaking pest cycles. Additionally, spent plants can be chopped and dropped as green manure, enriching the soil with organic matter. In this way, marigolds embody the permaculture principle of multifunctionality — offering beauty, biodiversity, and ecological services all at once.