Marvelous Marigolds

Don't overlook this tough, colorful annual.

- Jennifer Howell

Name a plant that is easy to grow, blooms nonstop from summer through fall, is practically maintenance free and is grown worldwide. If you said "marigold," you would be right. And if you think this plant is boring, let me tell you all the reasons this foolproof flower deserves a spot in every garden.

GLOBAL FLOWERS  Because marigolds grow in almost any kind of soil and it's so simple to collect seeds, this Mexican and Central American native has found its way to popularity around the world. Marigold flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, cream and red; the edible flowers' flavors range from citrusy to spicy to bitter, and the dried or fresh petals make delightful additions to a salad or soup. Harvest these long-lasting flowers when the petals have opened fully, but the center is still tight. The blooms make great cut flowers and are easy to dry for everlasting bouquets. The petals are also used in fabric dyes, food coloring and even chicken feed to make egg yolks more yellow.

A MARIGOLD MISCONCEPTION The pungent smell of marigolds is thought to deter many insect pests and animals. Deer do tend to ignore them, while some rabbits find them tasty. But they rarely repel insects. In fact, spider mites and Japanese beetles are so attracted to marigolds that you can actually use the flowers as a trap crop to lure these insects away from vulnerable plants. They also draw in beneficial insects, such as lady beetles and parasitic wasps, and other pollinators that you want in your garden.

Need more reasons to grow marigolds? Keep reading to learn about the different types, including French, American and signet marigolds, and where each one will grow best in your garden.