Also known as Tagetes erecta, Marigolds are widely cultivated, hardy and long-flowering, with single cultivars better for honey bees, these having been observed as offering up to a medium source of both nectar and pollen. Double cultivars are of little or no value to them.
Not only are Marigolds good for a visit by your local honey goddess, they are also fantastic to use as an insect repellant in your veggie garden. The pungent smell repels unwanted visitors like whiteflies, cabbage worms and tomato hornworms, also known to protect from harmful nematodes that live in the soil.
Believe it or not, a good placement of Marigolds in containers on patios, porches or near seating areas will also help to deter Mosquitos.
They are too a great medicinal plant to add to your healing garden, with teas and tinctures known for use in treating and healing cuts and sores, with natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties helping with sore throats, mouth ulcers, gingivitis and tonsillitis.
Marigolds are very versatile flowers and enjoy full sun, hot days and grow well in dry or moist soil, needing very little in way of care. They are good companion plants for nearly all plants.
MARIGOLD BEE PLANT VALUE N0-2 P0-2

Saving our bees is not just about making less toxic environments for them, but too about focusing on what we feed them. Like us, they need a balanced diet. Pollen and nectar from a diverse choice of flowers; protein from pollen, and carbohydrates, sugars, from nectar. Bee-effective and plant Good Bee Food, for you and your honey bees.
Click here and select your province to find more great plants for honey bees or follow click here for a great selection of herbs, succulents and ground covers, creepers and crops, to name a few that will grow you garden buzzy.

The Bee Effect consulted with Chef Schalk Vlok and his muse to find out why the Marigold sparks the imagination and how it could add depth to our kitchen and pantry, whether baking, brewing teas, making pesto’s and more. Click here to be inspired!
Ref Beeplant values: sanbi.org / Beeplants of South Africa, M.F. Johannsmeier