About Marigold
French marigolds (Tagetes) are classic pest-control companions — often planted with tomatoes to suppress root-knot nematodes and distract insects.
Works in container edges and raised beds across all NZ climate zones.
Good companions
Plants that pair well with Marigold — tap for their guides. Cited sources appear where research is linked in the matrix.
French marigolds (Tagetes) are often planted with tomatoes to suppress root-knot nematodes and distract pest insects.
SquashListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
CabbageListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
BroccoliListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
Bean (Bush) Pest controlFrench marigolds may suppress nematodes in bean and legume beds when grown as a season-long border.
PotatoListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
CucumberListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
ZucchiniListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
LuffaListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
Jerusalem ArtichokeListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
YaconListed as beneficial in the matrix — open the grid for full context.
+ 4 more in the matrix
Avoid planting together
Known poor neighbours — spacing apart or rotating beds reduces shared pest and disease pressure.
No incompatible companions listed — check the full matrix for neutral pairings.
Growing tips
- Tagetes patula and T. erecta differ in height — match to crop.
- Grow a season ahead in nematode-heavy soils if possible.
- Deadhead for continuous bloom or let self-seed at bed edges.
Use the compatibility matrix
Filter to Marigold to see green (beneficial), red (incompatible), and grey (neutral) for every pair among 162 plants. Desktop: hover cells. Mobile: tap for details.