French
Asteraceae
Marigold
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French marigolds were developed in France in the 19th century from Mexican species. Despite the name "African marigold," both types are native to the Americas. Marigolds were sacred to the Aztecs and are central to Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Marigolds are the workhorse of the PNW garden — easy, cheerful, and useful. French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are the smaller, more compact type with the best nematode-suppressing properties. African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are taller with giant pom-pom flowers. Plant them everywhere: along bed edges, between vegetables, in containers. They bloom from June through first hard frost and self-sow for next year.
Direct sow after last frost (mid-May) or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Sow 1/4" deep, 4 seeds per sq ft. Marigolds are fast and easy — they bloom in 45-50 days from seed. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous bloom through frost. They thrive in full sun with average soil — too much nitrogen produces lush foliage and few flowers. Marigolds are classic companion plants: they repel nematodes (French types especially), attract beneficial insects, and their strong scent may deter some pests.