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Companion plants for french marigolds

We found 1 sourced companion and 0 pairings to use with caution. Each one links to its source and shows how strong the evidence is.

Growing french marigold

Tagetes patula

Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Even moisture; drought tolerant once established
Soil
Average, well-drained soil
Spacing
Mature width varies, about 6–18 inches; cover-crop spacing is different
Growing guide source

Good companions for french marigolds

  • Tomato

    Research-supported

    Selected marigold cover crops can suppress certain nematodes before tomatoes.

    UF/IFAS supports selected Tagetes cultivars grown in the future vegetable bed for at least two months before vegetables. Effects depend on nematode species, cultivar and temperature. A few adjacent flowers are not proven broad pest repellents.

    Spacing: This is a preplant cover-crop strategy, not a recommendation to crowd flowers beside tomatoes.

    Pests: Identify the nematode and appropriate cultivar first; susceptible marigolds can increase nematodes.

    UF/IFAS · Marigolds and nematode management

Use caution

No sourced conflicts recorded.

Other crops

Check pairings in your own beds

Smart Garden Planner flags companions and conflicts as you add french marigolds and other plants to a garden bed.

Start freeSee planting dates

Reference version 2026-11-03. Educational information; local conditions vary — check your local extension office.