marigolds in the garden as companion plant

Save Your Marigolds! How to Collect Seeds & Reap the Benefits in Your Garden

Last year, I grew these beautiful and prolific marigolds in my tunnel alongside my tomatoes. Then I let them die!

Today, as my kids and I began clearing out our tunnel to prepare for spring planting, I realized I could put my dead marigold plants to good use. Instead of tossing them, I harvested their seeds—and you can too!

@freedomforestfarm
I feel like we got a lot accomplished today by pulling all the dead plants out of the tunnel and saving the seeds from my marigolds. I now have thousands upon thousands of seeds (which I plan to make gifts with) because no single garden needs this many marigolds!! I plant these alongside my tomatoes, but also my peppers and cucumbers. Marigolds are also excellent companions for carrots, squash & zucchini, lettuce, beans, corn, strawberries, melons, basil, rosemary & thyme, roses and grapes! Just keep them away from beans and cabbage. Marigolds not only add beauty to the garden but also create a natural barrier against pests, improve pollination, and enhance overall plant health 🪴 This year, I’ll be adding new colors and varieties to the mix (some yellows & Eskimo white). The beauty of these growing alongside our food makes me want to spend so much time in my garden!! (More on my site… FreedomForestFarm.com 🔗 in bio)
♬ 农场欢笑 A Happy – codemusic

How to Harvest Marigold Seeds

Each marigold flower head contains dozens of seeds, making them one of the easiest plants to save for replanting. Since marigolds are annuals, they must be replanted each year, but collecting seeds means you never have to buy them again!

Here’s how to do it:

Let the flowers dry completely – Once the plant dies back, the flower heads will turn brown and crispy.
Gently pull apart the dried flower head – Inside, you’ll find slender black-and-tan seeds.
Separate the seeds from the petals and debris – Shake off any excess plant material.
Store them properly – I put mine in a mason jar, but a paper envelope or airtight container works too. Just be sure to store them in a cool, dry place until it’s time to plant again!

Why Plant Marigolds in Your Garden?

Marigolds are more than just pretty flowers; they’re one of the best companion plants for any homestead garden. Here’s why:

1. Natural Pest Control

Marigolds help repel a variety of harmful insects, including:

Aphids – Common pests on tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.
Nematodes – Soil-dwelling parasites that damage plant roots.
Squash bugs & cucumber beetles – A major threat to squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Mosquitoes – A bonus if you enjoy sitting in your garden!

2. Attract Beneficial Insects

Marigolds draw in pollinators like bees and butterflies while also attracting predatory insects that feed on garden pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings.

3. Improve Soil Health

Some varieties, like French marigolds, are known to suppress nematodes in the soil, making them a great addition to crop rotation plans.

4. Companion Planting Benefits

Marigolds grow well alongside many fruits and vegetables, protecting them from pests and improving overall garden health. Here are some great plant pairings:

✔️ Tomatoes & Peppers – Keep aphids, whiteflies, and thrips away.
✔️ Cucumbers, Squash & Zucchini – Repel cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
✔️ Carrots & Lettuce – Protect against carrot flies and slugs.
✔️ Beans & Corn – Help deter beetles and earworms.
✔️ Strawberries & Melons – Prevent nematode damage and unwanted pests.
✔️ Roses & Grapes – Reduce aphids and fungal issues in flower beds and vineyards.

⚠️ Plants to Avoid Pairing with Marigolds:
While marigolds benefit most plants, avoid planting them too close to beans and cabbage, as they can inhibit growth.

Using Marigolds on the Homestead

Beyond the garden, marigolds have many practical uses around the homestead!

1. Edible Uses

Some marigold varieties, such as Calendula (Pot Marigold), are edible and can be used in:

Salads – The bright petals add color and a mild peppery flavor.
Teas – Marigold tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Garnishes – Sprinkle petals over soups or baked goods for a natural decorative touch.

⚠️ Not all marigolds are edible! Only Calendula (Pot Marigold) is widely used for food and herbal remedies. Other marigold varieties, like French or African marigolds, are primarily grown for pest control and decoration.

2. Natural Dyes

Marigold petals can be used to create a beautiful yellow or orange dye for fabrics, wool, or even homemade soaps.

3. Herbal Remedies

Calendula, often called “Pot Marigold,” has medicinal properties and can be made into:

Salves and balms to soothe skin irritation.
Infused oils for minor cuts and burns.
Homemade lotions to promote skin health.

4. Chicken and Livestock Feed Additive

Feeding dried marigold petals to chickens enhances the deep orange color of egg yolks naturally! The petals are also believed to boost overall poultry health.

Marigold Varieties and Colors

Marigolds come in a range of colors and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any homestead. Here are some common varieties:

True Marigolds (Tagetes species)

These are the classic marigolds used in gardens:

French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) – Compact, bushy plants with red, orange, and yellow blooms. Great for borders and pest control.
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) – Taller plants with large, pom-pom-like flowers in bold shades of orange and yellow. Ideal for cut flowers and garden focal points.
Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia) – Delicate, edible marigolds with small, lacy leaves and bright flowers. Perfect for edible landscaping.

Calendula (Pot Marigold) – Calendula officinalis

Calendula is not a true marigold but is often mistaken for one. Unlike Tagetes species, Calendula seeds are curled and spiky, while true marigold seeds are long and slender.

Calendula Uses:
✔️ Edible flowers for salads, teas, and garnishes
✔️ Medicinal salves for skin health
✔️ Natural dye production

Save Your Seeds & Save Money!

Before you toss out those dried-up marigold plants, take a few minutes to harvest the seeds. It’s an easy, rewarding way to keep your garden thriving while saving money on seeds year after year.

Do you save seeds from your flowers or vegetables? Let me know in the comments! 🌱💛