Can Marigolds Be Planted Beside Sunflowers?

Sun-loving flowers like zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos are not affected by sunflower allelopathy and can make great companion plants for them. Marigolds are drought-tolerant plants that thrive in sunny, hot weather and are excellent companion plants for sunflowers due to their dual role as pest repellents and pollinator attractors. Their aromatic scent deters a range of common garden pests.

There are 17 suitable companion plants for marigolds, including vegetable crops, culinary herbs, and both annual and perennial flowers. Marigolds are excellent at repelling pests that can damage sunflowers and other plants in your garden, and their powerful fragrance is not appealing to many insects. The bright oranges and yellows of marigolds pair well with sunflowers for aesthetic value and repel aphids attracted to them.

These plants can tolerate a bit of shade and do well when planted under giant trees. When planting them in different pots and not sharing any soil, they should not interfere with each other. However, it is important to be aware that the most common varieties of both sunflowers and zinnias are too similar in color to be good companions.

In conclusion, marigolds are a great companion plant for sunflowers due to their dual role as pest repellents and pollinator attractors. By selecting plants that share the same growing conditions, you can improve the health and vitality of your garden.

What should you not plant with sunflowers?

Sunflowers can inhibit the growth of nearby plants like potatoes and beans due to their release of allelopathic chemicals. They should also avoid plants with shallow root systems, as they compete for nutrients and water. Sunflowers should be paired with plants that thrive in similar soil and sun conditions, such as tomatoes, which prefer drier conditions. Sunflowers require full sun, so shade-loving plants like hostas or ferns should be avoided.

What should you not plant next to marigolds?

Marigold companion planting enhances the growth of various plants, including basil, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant, gourds, kale, potatoes, squash, and tomatoes. It also makes a good companion plant to melons as it deters beetles. However, beans and cabbage are listed as bad companion plants for marigolds. Cabbage and Brassica broccoli appear to be questionable companions, so it might be best to assume the worst and consider both broccoli and cabbage as bad companions for marigolds.

Marigolds have traditionally been used as borders around flower beds and vegetable gardens, deterring beetles, beet leaf hoppers, Mexican bean beetle, nematodes, asparagus beetle, tomato worm, and rabbits.

Can I plant sunflowers next to marigolds?

Marigolds and pole beans are excellent companion plants for sunflowers due to their ability to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. Sunflowers are a popular choice for gardeners due to their striking appearance and pollinator attraction. However, planting sunflowers alone can leave the garden vulnerable to pests and diseases. Companion planting involves planting different types of plants together to improve their growth and health. Some of the best companion plants for sunflowers include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce.

These plants can improve soil quality, attract beneficial insects, and provide shade for sun-sensitive crops. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, companion planting is a great way to improve your garden’s health and productivity. By choosing the right companion plants for sunflowers, you can create a thriving, beautiful, and functional garden.

What flowers go well with sunflowers?

Sunflowers pair well with various flowers, including roses, snapdragons, chrysanthemums, chamomile, and irises. Bright colors like reds and oranges complement yellow, while blue or purple irises create a beautiful contrast. Warm-toned greenery like camellia leaves, gymea leaves, or monstera leaves complement the vibrant yellow of sunflowers. The yellow sunflower instantly brightens up any space.

What supports sunflowers best?

To grow a sunflower, choose a sunny location with well-rotted horse manure in winter or early spring. Choose tall sunflower varieties like Russian Giant or Giraffe and select the largest seeds from the packet. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with good quality seed compost, not letting the compost dry out while the seeds germinate. When the seedlings are at least 2 inches tall, separate them or prick them out. Plant one on its own in a 6 inch pot with good quality compost.

Support your sunflower with bamboo canes or split canes when they are small in a pot. Use garden twine to tie the stem to the cane securely but not so loose that the plant flops around. If you plan to grow a monster, choose very canes or join two securely together.

Slug and snails can eat young sunflowers overnight if not protected. Slug pellets are the best method of stopping them. Weed away any competing weeds and ensure everyone else in the garden knows not to weed up your sunflowers. Water and feed your sunflower regularly, either once a week or every two weeks.

In summary, choosing a sunny position, mixing well rotted horse manure, selecting tall sunflower varieties, providing support, protecting your sunflower from slugs and snails, weeding, and maintaining proper watering and feeding are crucial for successful sunflower growth.

What are the cons of planting sunflowers?

Sunflowers are a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can have several negatives. They can repress the growth of other plants due to their allelopathic properties, which exude toxins that stop nearby plants from growing. This is beneficial for the sunflower as it leaves a wide open space for new seedlings to grow, but it’s bad for gardeners who want to grow lots of different plants in close quarters. Pole beans and potatoes are especially susceptible and should not be planted near sunflowers.

Snails are also attracted to sunflower seeds on the plant, and once they polish off those seeds, they start eyeing your vegetables. Aphids and whiteflies can blow over sunflowers, and they can blow over. Sunflowers are tall, with big leaves and flower heads, perfect for catching the wind. A big storm can take one right out, and there’s a good chance it will take out the plants around it too.

At the end of the season, sunflowers are still there, standing tall, woody, and unwieldy. They can’t be left in the garden because of their allelopathic properties, and they must be torn down, chopped up, and composted, which is hard work for cold hands in the fall.

Despite these cons, most gardeners choose to plant sunflowers anyway, as they are beautiful and striking enough that most gardeners choose to plant them. In the end, the decision is up to you.

Do sunflowers harm other plants?

Sarah Warner, the greenhouse manager at Case Western Reserve University Farm, has issued a warning that planting sunflowers with non-companion plants like rhubarb can pose a threat due to the higher probability of attracting snout beetles, which can cause significant damage to both plants. Furthermore, the planting of unmatched specimens can also result in chaos, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that the plants are well-matched in order to facilitate optimal growth.

Where should I put marigolds in my garden?

Marigolds are a beautiful and colorful border plant that attracts bees and other pollinators to your vegetable garden. Their vivid yellow, orange, and red blooms attract beneficial insects, which can be kept alive by deadheading. This increases the chances of pollination and yields for your plants. Marigolds also serve as a natural pest control method, eliminating aphids and other pests that may be affecting your plants. By attracting these insects, you can ensure your plants receive the necessary nutrients and support for their growth. Overall, marigolds are a great addition to any vegetable garden.

What destroys marigolds?

Kayla, your marigold plants appear to be in severe distress. They were likely planted from seed or nursery, and you need to send a picture of the overall planting and a close-up of a plant next to the affected plants. Check for insects on both the top and underside of the leaves. Marigolds are susceptible to diseases caused by viruses such as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), and the phytoplasma disease called Aster yellows.

Viral infection symptoms include spots or rings on the leaves, chlorosis (yellowing leaves with green veins), or stunted/unusual growth. Viruses are typically spread by whiteflies, thrips, or aphids, while aster yellows is spread by leaf hoppers feeding on the plants. Fungal stem and root rots, fungal leaf spots, gray mold, and bacterial wilt are also occasional disease problems. For more information on managing pests and diseases, see HGIC 2771, Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control.

To deter insects from feeding, use horticultural oil like NEEM oil on healthier plants and follow the directions on the label. Insecticidal soap is only effective if you see insects on the plants, but both are environmentally friendly products.

What happens if you plant sunflowers too close together?

To grow giant sunflowers, sow them earlier in the summer, as they often flower on shorter stalks. The ideal spacing for these plants is 20 inches apart, with closer plantings resulting in taller stalks but smaller heads, and farther plantings potentially causing larger seed heads. If space is limited, sow in a small clump that will eventually be thinned to one plant.

To sow seeds, water the soil, press seeds 1 inch deep in clumps of 5-6 seeds about 6-8 inches apart, and cover loosely with netting to protect emerging seedlings from birds. Seedlings will appear within 5-10 days if the soil is kept moist. Thin the plants to the most vigorous 3 or 4 when they grow to 3 inches, 2 when they reach 2 feet, and back to the best single seedling when they reach 2 feet high.

Feeding and care for your growing giant sunflowers are essential. Water around the root zone with 2 gallons of diluted liquid fertilizer solution per week while the plant is small. For larger plants, create a doughnut-shaped moat around the plant and pour several gallons of diluted fertilizer into it every week. Avoid pouring fertilizer directly on the stems, as this can cause them to rot.

What are the disadvantages of sunflowers?

Sunflower plants are a popular choice for gardeners due to their ability to bloom and grow new flowers. However, they have some disadvantages, such as exuding toxins that repress other plants’ growth, and needing bright direct sunlight for optimal growth. Common pests infesting sunflower plants include aphids and whiteflies. Despite these drawbacks, sunflower plants are essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden.