How to grow French marigolds in a raised bed

French marigolds are the veggie gardener's favourite flower — vivid, non-stop blooms whose roots are said to deter soil nematodes, and whose flowers draw in the good bugs. A classic edging plant for a raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks to flower

When should I plant French marigolds?

Marigolds are frost-tender — sow or plant from spring through summer for months of colour. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): August to March
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to January
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to September
• Arid inland: March and August to November

How do I grow French marigolds in a raised bed?

Sow seed or plant seedlings into the mix in full sun. Deadhead regularly for continuous flowering. They're tough, bright and forgiving.

How do I use it?

The petals are edible (mild and slightly citrusy) and the flowers are cheerful in salads. In the veggie patch they're prized for deterring root-knot nematodes and pulling in hoverflies and bees.

What pests attack French marigolds?

Keep an eye out for aphids and slugs and snails, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with French marigolds?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where should I plant it?

Plant them along bed edges and among tomatoes; a classic pest-deterring companion. See our companion planting guide.

More growing guides: calendula, nasturtiums and cosmos.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Avenue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.