Calendula Companion Plants (The Complete List)

Gardening with Calendula, also known as pot marigold, offers a wonderful way to enhance the beauty and health of your garden. By selecting the right companion plants, you can create a diverse and vibrant space that looks appealing and supports plant health. The right companion plants can help control pests, improve soil quality, and even boost the growth of your Calendula.

In this article, I will share insights on the best plants to pair with Calendula. These combinations can make your garden thrive by naturally promoting balance and harmony. From attracting beneficial insects to warding off pests, these companion plants will benefit your gardening efforts.

1. Basil

Basil is one of the top companion plants for calendula. It helps repel many pests, including mosquitoes and flies, making it easier to keep the garden healthy. Basil thrives when planted near calendula. They enjoy similar soil conditions and sun exposure, making them ideal partners in the garden.

The strong scent of basil can improve the flavor of nearby plants. This is a significant benefit for herbs and vegetables in the same bed. When basil and calendula are grown together, they tend to attract beneficial insects. These insects help keep harmful pests at bay, supporting a healthy and productive garden environment.

Basil is also easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a practical addition alongside calendula.

2. Tomatoes

I always pair calendula with tomatoes in my garden. Calendula helps repel harmful pests like tomato hornworms. This keeps the tomato plants healthier. Tomatoes also benefit from the natural shading provided by calendula. The shade helps keep the soil cool and retain moisture, which is essential for tomato growth.

I have noticed that calendula attracts beneficial insects. These insects, like ladybugs and hoverflies, prey on pests that could harm the tomato plants, creating a balanced ecosystem in my garden.

Planting calendula near tomatoes doesn’t just benefit the tomatoes. The calendula’s flowers make the garden more colorful and lively.

One thing I always ensure is to give enough space between the plants. This prevents overcrowding and ensures both have enough nutrients and sunlight. When I plan my garden, I find that this pairing offers practical and aesthetic benefits all season long.

3. Chives

Chives are one of my top choices for calendula companion plants. They are easy to grow and help keep pests away. Chives are known for their strong scent, which can repel insects like aphids.

I also like planting chives because they attract beneficial insects. Ladybugs and bees are drawn to chive flowers. These insects help pollinate your garden and control pests.

Chives can also protect calendula from disease. The natural compounds in chives have antifungal properties. This means they can help reduce the risk of fungal infections in your garden.

Another benefit of chives is that they can improve the flavor of nearby plants. Chives often enhance the taste of fruits and vegetables growing close to them. Many gardeners, including me, love this additional bonus.

Chives are versatile and can thrive in many conditions. I plant them in both sunny and partially shaded areas. They require minimal care, making them a great addition to any garden.

4. Garlic

I’ve found that garlic is a fantastic companion plant for calendula. Both plants thrive when grown together, offering mutual benefits in the garden.

Garlic naturally repels many pests. Its strong odor helps keep aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles away from calendula. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Besides pest control, garlic enhances soil health. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help protect calendula from soil-borne diseases.

When planting garlic with calendula, I make sure to space them properly. This ensures both plants have enough room to grow and access nutrients.

5. Beets

Beets make an excellent companion plant for calendula. They thrive in similar soil conditions, preferring well-drained, fertile soil. By growing together, the plants help each other by optimizing the use of garden space.

Beets can benefit from calendula’s natural pest-repelling properties. The bright and fragrant flowers of calendula attract beneficial insects, which can help protect beets from common pests like aphids and beetles.

Calendula also acts as a natural mulch, retaining soil moisture and reducing weed growth around beet plants. This can improve the health and yield of the beets.

Beets, in return, improve the soil structure with their deep roots, allowing better water penetration and aeration. This benefits calendula and other nearby plants.

By planting calendula and beets together, I’m able to create a healthier and more productive garden. This companion planting technique maximizes space and improves the overall growth environment.

6. Nasturtiums

I find that nasturtiums are excellent companion plants for calendula. These bright flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Their presence in the garden can help boost pollination for your calendula.

Nasturtiums also have the ability to repel certain pests. They can deter aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. This can help protect calendula from potential infestations.

Another advantage is their role as a trap crop. Nasturtiums can attract pests away from your calendula. This means that harmful insects may prefer the nasturtiums, leaving your calendula healthier and more vibrant.

I also notice that nasturtiums are easy to grow and maintain. They can thrive in various soil types and are pretty drought-tolerant. Their similar growing conditions make them a convenient match for calendula.

These flowers add a touch of color to the garden. Their bright, cheerful blooms can complement the golden hues of calendula. This can create a visually pleasing and harmonious garden space.

Combining nasturtiums with calendula can create a beneficial environment. It improves pollination, repels pests, and adds beauty, making them a great companion choice for calendula.

7. Borage

I often plant borage with calendula because both attract beneficial insects. Both plants have bright flowers that draw in bees and butterflies, which helps with pollination in my garden.

Borage also improves the soil. Its deep roots can bring up nutrients that other plants can use. When the plants die back, they add organic matter to the soil.

Additionally, borage can deter pests. It repels certain insects like tomato hornworms. This can help keep my calendula and other plants healthy.

I like that borage is easy to grow. It doesn’t need much care and grows well in different soil types. This makes it a practical addition to any garden.

Not planting borage near potatoes is crucial. This combination can harm both plants. Avoiding fennel and black walnut trees when planting borage is also wise.

8. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a great companion plant for calendula. Its broad leaves provide shade, helping to keep the soil moist and cool. This benefits the calendula by preventing it from drying out too quickly.

Swiss chard attracts beneficial insects that help control pests. These insects are natural predators of many common garden pests. This can reduce the need for chemical insecticides in the garden.

Growing Swiss chard near calendula also improves soil health. The roots of Swiss chard help loosen the soil, making it easier for water and nutrients to reach the roots of both plants.

Additionally, Swiss chard is relatively easy to grow. It doesn’t require much special care and can thrive in the same type of soil and watering conditions as calendula. This makes it a practical choice for companion planting.

9. Carrots

I find carrots to be excellent companion plants for calendula. Carrots have deep roots, which help aerate the soil and improve drainage for both plants. This makes growing carrots alongside calendula quite beneficial.

Calendula, on the other hand, attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on pests that might otherwise harm carrots. This natural pest control is a great advantage in a mixed garden.

Moreover, carrots and calendula have similar sunlight and soil needs. Both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making it easier to care for them together. I often see improved growth in my carrots when planted near calendula.

Carrots also benefit from calendula’s ability to deter aphids and nematodes. These pests are a common issue for carrot crops, and having calendula nearby provides a natural way to protect them.

Planting carrots and calendula together makes my gardening experience smoother and more productive. Their compatibility in terms of pest control, soil conditions, and sunlight needs makes them a great pairing in any garden setting.

10. Dill

Dill is a fantastic companion plant for calendula.

I’ve found that dill helps repel pests like cabbage moths, loopers, and worms. These insects are known to damage many garden plants, including calendula.

Dill’s feathery leaves also provide a lovely textural contrast in the garden. They attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids and other harmful pests.

When grown near calendula, dill can promote healthier growth for both plants. Dill doesn’t compete aggressively for nutrients, allowing both plants to thrive.

Additionally, dill can enhance the flavor of nearby vegetables, like carrots and cucumbers. This is a great way to integrate companion planting into your vegetable garden.

Remember not to plant dill near carrots or potatoes, as it can stunt their growth. This tip has saved me a lot of trouble in the past.

Benefits of Companion Planting With Calendula

Calendula offers multiple benefits when used as a companion plant. It helps with natural pest control, improves soil health, and enhances pollination.

Natural Pest Control

Calendula is great for keeping pests away from your garden. The plant produces chemicals that repel pests like aphids and tomato worms. When I plant calendula next to my vegetables, I notice fewer pests. This means I use fewer pesticides, which is better for the environment.

The flowers also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies. These insects feed on harmful pests. By planting calendula, I create a balanced ecosystem in my garden. This natural pest control makes gardening easier and more sustainable.

Soil Health Improvement

Another benefit of calendula is its positive impact on soil health. The plant has deep roots that help break up compacted soil. This improves the soil’s structure and allows water and nutrients to reach deeper layers. I find that my other plants grow better when calendula is nearby.

Calendula also has properties that help to enrich the soil. When its leaves and flowers fall off and decompose, they add organic matter back into the soil. This natural process improves soil fertility. By planting calendula, I can enhance the overall health of my garden soil.

Enhanced Pollination

Calendula attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. These pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants. When I plant calendula in my garden, I see more pollinators visiting my flowers. This leads to better pollination and higher crop yields for my fruits and vegetables.

The bright, colorful flowers of calendula are especially attractive to these pollinators. By having calendula in the garden, I can ensure that even the plants far from each other still get pollinated. This helps in creating a thriving garden environment.

How to Integrate Calendula Into Your Garden

Calendula is a versatile plant that can enhance your garden’s health and beauty. Proper location, planting techniques, and consistent care are essential for success.

Choosing the Right Location

Calendula thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is clay-heavy, consider adding compost or sand to improve drainage. Avoid areas where water pools after rain, as this can lead to root rot.

When planning your garden layout, I ensure that I provide enough space for each calendula plant to grow without crowding. Space them about 12 inches apart. This ensures good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.

Planting Techniques

I prefer starting calendula seeds directly outdoors. Sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and cover them lightly with soil. If starting indoors, plant seeds in trays about six weeks before the last frost. Transplant them outdoors once seedlings are sturdy and about 2-3 inches tall.

For large areas, you can scatter the seeds and rake them into the soil. This method works well for creating a natural, wildflower look. Planting seeds in rows or designated flower beds in smaller gardens to keep things organized.

Watering and Maintenance

Calendula requires regular watering, especially in the early stages. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture. I water my calendula in the morning, aiming for the soil and avoiding the foliage to minimize fungal issues.

Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, promotes continuous blooming. Pinch off wilting blooms regularly to encourage new growth. Calendula can be prone to pests like aphids. I recommend inspecting plants weekly and using insecticidal soap if needed.

Adding a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Choose organic mulches like compost or straw, which also improve soil quality as they break down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding which plants complement calendula can help maximize garden yields. This section answers common questions about ideal calendula companions and planting conditions.