French marigold
Planted underneath indoor tomatoes, French marigold plants can deter garden pests such as whitefly.
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Sow indoors | Apr - mid May |
| Plant out/transplant | End May - Mid Jun |
| Harvest | Jun - Sep |
How to grow French marigolds
Sow French marigold seed 0.5cm deep in pots and transplant seedlings when growing strongly to 20cm apart. Choose a sunny site with fertile soil.
Water French marigolds in prolonged periods of dry weather. Remove seed heads. Leaves are aromatic.
Harvesting and using French marigolds
Pick French marigold flowers just after they open, removing the white part from the petal where it attaches to the flower as this can be bitter.
Tips for growing French marigolds
Keep picking to encourage more flowers.
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Germination time | 7-14 days |
| Average time to harvest | From 8 weeks |
| Equipment needed | None |
| Average plant size | 15-30cm tall and wide |
| Family group to grow with | Asteraceae: lettuce, chicory |
| Seed saving notes | Annual, can cross-pollinate |
| Key nutritional content | Low calorie complement |