How To Sow French Marigolds For Bedding And As A Companion Plant

French marigolds lure pests away from vegetables and provide nectar

French Marigolds are grown either as a bedding plant or as a companion plant for interspersing amongst the vegetables. They are reputed to repel insect pests which could decimate a vegetable crop; they are particularly beneficial planted next to tomatoes as they lure away white fly. They are also a valuable nectar source for butterflies so would make a good addition to a wildlife friendly garden.

The variety we have chosen to grow is ‘Fantasia Mix’.

You will need:

• seed tray
• seed compost
• seed
• something which holds water to stand the tray or pots in
• sieve
• labels

We are sowing the seed in trays so that we can transplant them around the vegetable beds and the greenhouse.

Fill the tray with John Innes Seed compost, tap the tray on the bench to level the compost.

Sprinkle the seed thinly over the surface and cover with a thin sprinkling of sieved compost, label.

Stand the tray in water for 15 - 20 minutes until damp and place on a sunny windowsill or in the greenhouse.

Keep just damp.

Prick out into containers or straight into the ground when all danger of frost has passed.