Calendula officinalis var. arvensis
Field marigold
Common names: Marigold, Green manure marigold
Photo: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public Domain · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The field marigold (Calendula officinalis var. arvensis) is a fast‑growing green manure plant. Its root exudates help control nematodes and reduce soil fatigue. The dense foliage shades the soil, suppresses weeds, and loosens the ground with its roots. Bright flowers attract hoverflies, bees, and flower flies.
Care instructions
Sow the marigold from April to July (weeks 14 to 30) directly into beds, preferably as a colorful companion crop among vegetables. It germinates quickly and blooms within a few weeks. Cut back the plants before seed set and incorporate the biomass into the soil, or allow a few to self‑seed so they return the following year.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
loamy, well-drained, lime-loving, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
carrot family (Apiaceae)
Calendula and Tagetes next to carrots keep the carrot fly away with their scent.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Rather not
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
Sunflowers release substances into the soil that inhibit potato tuber growth, and they also compete for water and nutrients.
For example Sweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberryChiliPeperoni and 7 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
Notes from real gardens
What other gardeners have written down about this variety, anonymous and voluntary.
No notes shared yet. Will you be the first to write one down?
From the magazine
Starting summer flowers indoors: marigold, zinnia and cosmos from March
Start marigold, zinnia and cosmos on the windowsill from March so your summer flowers bloom earlier. Bright and not too warm, out only after the Ice Saints.
Herbal Home Apothecary: Making Salves and Tinctures Yourself
Turn calendula and ribwort plantain into your own little apothecary: homemade calendula salve, plantain syrup and tinctures, with clear limits and plenty of cleanliness.