A Partnership for a Healthier America: Unlocking the Potential of Marigolds in Your Garden

For generations, gardeners have been planting marigolds alongside their vegetables to repel pests. The notion that these bright yellow and orange flowers can ward off unwanted insects has been passed down through family and friend networks. But do they really work? A recent study conducted at Rutgers University found that marigolds failed to repel cabbage, carrot, and onion pests. However, the lack of scientific evidence does not necessarily debunk their ability to repel other pests.

Tagetes patula, commonly known as French marigold, is a compact annual that grows up to 12 inches tall and features single, semi-double, or double flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, and bicolor. Native to subtropical America, marigolds have been cultivated in Mexico for over 2,000 years, with approximately 50 species known.

So, do marigolds truly benefit the garden as a repelling machine, or are they just pretty and their repelling powers a gardening myth? The answer lies in understanding their natural range and how they can be used effectively. Marigolds belong to the aster family (Asteraceae), genus Tagetes, and their greatest distribution is in south central Mexico.

The seeds of marigold have been employed as a companion plant for generations, not only to repel pests but also to target and kill selected weeds. In fact, some gardeners claim that marigolds can repel a wide range of pests, from bugs and snails to rabbits and deer. But before ordering a ton of marigold seeds, it's essential to do your research.

In conclusion, while the scientific evidence may be lacking, marigolds have been used effectively for generations as a natural pest control method. Whether or not they live up to their repelling powers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – they are a beautiful addition to any garden.

A partnership for a healthier america