Avoid these 6 marigold varieties in your garden. Here’s why

While this type of marigold is famed for its potential culinary and medicinal uses, it can be a nightmare for your garden. Tagetes minuta often grows aggressively and can out-compete other plants for nutrients and space. It also releases chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of neighboring plants.

Known for its large blooms and robust size, the African marigold can unfortunately overshadow other plants in your garden. Their excessive height can deprive shorter plants of sunlight. Additionally, they are prone to aphid infestations, which can spread to other parts of your garden.

Although their edible flowers can be a delightful addition to salads, Signet marigolds tend to attract spider mites. While spider mites don’t always cause significant harm, their presence can become a persistent nuisance that requires ongoing attention.

French marigolds are known for their compact size and varied colors, but they have a less-known downside—they can attract snails and slugs. These pests not only feed on marigolds but can also migrate to other plants, resulting in widespread damage.

As hybrids between African and French marigolds, triploid varieties attempt to combine the best traits of both. However, they often inherit susceptibility to the same pests that affect their parent species. Moreover, their sterile flowers mean they won’t attract beneficial pollinators.

Although not a true marigold, pot marigolds are often mistaken and planted as such. These plants can spread quickly, becoming invasive if not managed properly. They can also crowd out native plants, reducing biodiversity in your garden.

Avoiding these specific marigold varieties can save you from a lot of gardening headaches. By making informed plant choices, you’ll create a more balanced, healthy, and vibrant garden. So next time you head to the nursery, keep this list in mind and select marigolds that contribute positively to your green space.