Both African (T. erecta) and French marigolds (T. patula) produce alpha-terthienyl, a substance that suppresses nematodes, microscopic worms that attack the roots of plants. … the French marigold provides the greatest protection against a wide range of nematodes… Tomatoes, crucifers … According to the University of Rhode Island Extension, planting a thick crop of marigolds one season before planting fruits or vegetables is an effective way to control many nematodes. UC-Davis recommends incorporating the fresh marigold tissue into the soil and irrigating to suppress nematodes. — here

1. University of Alabama Extension: Companion Plants
2. University of Rhode Island Extension: Companion Planting
3. Penn State University Extension: Companion Planting
4. UC Davis: Nematodes

Bush beans … marigolds (Tagetes spp.) .. marigolds protect the beans by repelling the Mexican bean beetle. — here.

1. Cass County Extension: Companion Planting
2. Cornell Cooperative Extension: Mexican Bean Beetle
3. University of Illinois Extension: Beans
4. West Virginia Extension: Marigolds

Bloom Start to End: Early Summer - Mid Fall

Seeds Per Pack: 600

Plant Height: 24 in

Bloom Size: 2 in

Additional Characteristics: Direct Sow, Ever Blooming, Flower

Bloom Color: Gold, Orange

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Moisture Requirements: Moist, well-drained

Resistance: Pest Resistant

Soil Tolerance: Normal, loamy

Uses: Beds, Ornamental, Outdoor

Tested successfully in Holland, Golden Guardian is a Marigold that packs a powerful punch--interplanted with vegetables (especially tomatoes), it is the most effective at killing harmful nematodes! With a 99% success rate over 3 months, Golden Guardian is even more effective than chemical pesticides! And the big, single-flowered golden-orange blooms are lovely.

Nematodes live in the soil, feeding on and damaging the roots of tomatoes and other young vegetables, resulting in reduced growth, yellowed and wilted plants, and poor yields. Marigolds have long been planted as a nematode repellent, but not until Golden Guardian has one been shown to actually be more effective at eliminating these pests than commercial pesticides! The natural way to grow beautiful blooms while protecting the vegetable crop, Golden Guardian belongs in every garden!

Sow direct in the garden when the soil has warmed, or start seeds indoors in late winter. Very easy to grow in full sun, it reaches 2 feet tall. Pkt is approximately 600 seeds.