The reason why everyone should grow a marigold is more than one, and there are so many, you’ll be tempted for sure!
Why you need to grow a marigold? Why it has attained the status of the flower to have in your garden? Well, we are going to answer all of it and will give you many more reasons to grow it!
Why Everyone Should Grow a Marigold?
1. Easy to Grow and Maintain
Well, this is the basic yet the most important aspect! Marigolds are so easy to grow, you can even treat them as weeds! If you live in a warm climate, no worries, they will be happy to thrive.
If you live in a cold climate, they won’t mind that, too, just make sure they are not exposed to frost for long!
They are also not demanding when it comes to feeding. Just water them every once in a while and you will see them blooming in their full glory all year round!
2. Helps Attract Beneficial Insects
Beneficial insects play important role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem within your garden and if you want to have some of them around, grow marigolds!
This plant is a natural magnet for ladybugs, butterflies, hoverflies, and bees, which act as natural pollinators and also help you keep pest populations in check!
3. Eliminates Cabbage Moths
If you grow cruciferous vegetables like cabbages in your garden, you will find a natural bodyguard in the form of marigolds! You heard it right!
These flowers possess natural chemical compounds that repel cabbage moths. Planting marigolds around cabbages can deter these destructive pests, which will reduce the likelihood of caterpillar infestations.
4. Protects Against Nematodes
Marigold produces a substance called alpha-terthienyl, which can aid in the reduction of root-knot nematodes and other disease promoting organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, insects, and some viruses.
Grow marigolds with tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and roses to keep them safe from the attack.
So, to keep pesky pests at bay, growing marigolds is the way to go!
5. Adds Aesthetic Appeal to Garden
With the right combination or reds and oranges, marigolds match really well with all types of plants and flowers in the garden, making them a versatile pick for any setting.
They do well in pots and ground, both and add a contrasting element wherever you plant them!
6. A Great Companion Plant
Marigolds are a great companion plants for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, carrots, potatoes, lettuce, beans and kale. In short, you can plant them with any specimen and rest assured, they will benefit them in some or the other way!
7. Edible Flowers
Some varieties of marigolds, such as French marigold (Tagetes patula), are edible. Their petals have a citrusy flavor and you can use them fresh in salads, soups, and garnishes.
If you are a tea lover, dry them and make yourself some aromatic tea!
8. Natural Dye
Marigolds and pot marigolds (calendula) contain pigments known as carotenoids, which can be extracted and used as a natural dye for textiles and crafts.
By boiling marigold flowers in water, you can create vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and gold that can be used to dye fabrics, yarns, and Easter eggs or even use them for edible purposes.
