Tagetes patula var. nana
Nematode Marigold
Common names: Student's Marigold, Velvet Marigold, Low Marigold
Photo: COD Newsroom · CC BY 2.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Nematode Marigold (Tagetes patula var. nana) is more than a cheerful summer flower: its roots exude substances that specifically repel wandering root‑nematodes in the soil. As a densely sown green manure, the low varieties rehabilitate infested beds throughout an entire season. The orange‑red blooms continuously attract hoverflies and bees.
Care instructions
Sow the marigold from mid‑May (week 20) after the last frost over a wide, dense area in the garden, or start indoors on a windowsill in April. Keep the soil evenly moist and allow the crop to remain until autumn, only a closed, long‑lasting marigold cover fully activates its nematode‑repellent effect. Incorporate the plant after the first frost.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
humus-rich, well-drained, loamy, 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?