Pollinator-friendly gardens benefit from choosing flowers with accessible nectar structures. If you are wondering do bees like marigolds, the answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no.
Marigolds are a common garden flower. They are bright, easy to grow, and often recommended for pest control. But are they actually good for bees?
Let’s look at the facts. We will cover which bees visit marigolds, which types are best, and how to plant them for maximum bee benefit.
Do Bees Like Marigolds
The short answer is: yes, some bees do like marigolds, but not all marigolds are equal. Honeybees and bumblebees are the main visitors you will see.
Modern hybrid marigolds, especially the double-flowered types, are often less attractive to bees. This is because the dense petals block access to the nectar and pollen.
Single-flowered marigolds, like the French and Signet varieties, are much better. They have open centers that bees can easily land on and feed from.
Why Some Marigolds Are Better For Bees
Bees need two things from flowers: nectar for energy and pollen for protein. Marigolds provide both, but the amount varies by type.
- Single-flowered marigolds: Open center, easy access. High pollen and nectar.
- Double-flowered marigolds: Dense petals, hard for bees to reach. Low value.
- Dwarf marigolds: Often single-flowered. Good for small bees.
- African marigolds: Large blooms, often double. Less bee-friendly.
If you want to help bees, choose single or semi-double varieties. The bees will thank you.
Which Bees Visit Marigolds
Not all bees are the same. Some have long tongues, some have short. Marigolds are shallow flowers, so they attract short-tongued bees.
- Honeybees: Common visitors. They land on the flat center and collect pollen.
- Bumblebees: Also frequent. They are larger and can push past petals.
- Solitary bees: Smaller species like sweat bees and leafcutter bees will visit.
- Native bees: Many native bees in North America and Europe like marigolds.
You may not see many bees on double marigolds. But single marigolds can be a busy spot all day.
Best Marigold Varieties For Bees
To get the most bee activity, you need to pick the right seeds. Here are the top choices.
French Marigolds (Tagetes Patula)
These are small, bushy plants with single or semi-double flowers. They bloom all summer.
- Good for borders and containers.
- Attract honeybees and bumblebees.
- Varieties: ‘Bonanza’, ‘Disco’, ‘Janie’ (single types).
Signet Marigolds (Tagetes Tenuifolia)
These have delicate, lacy leaves and small single flowers. They are very attractive to bees.
- Edible flowers with a citrus scent.
- Bloom continuously.
- Varieties: ‘Lemon Gem’, ‘Tangerine Gem’.
African Marigolds (Tagetes Erecta)
These are tall with large, globe-like flowers. Most are double, but some single types exist.
- Look for ‘Crackerjack’ or ‘Discovery’ series.
- Single-flowered African marigolds are rare but excellent.
Triploid Marigolds
These are hybrids between French and African types. They are sterile and produce few seeds.
- Often double-flowered.
- Less pollen, so less bee value.
Stick with French and Signet marigolds for the best bee garden.
How To Plant Marigolds For Bees
Planting marigolds correctly makes a big difference. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose The Right Location
Marigolds need full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also need well-drained soil.
Bees prefer warm, sunny spots. Plant marigolds where they will get morning sun.
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
Marigolds are not picky. They grow in average soil. But they do better with some compost mixed in.
- Loosen the soil to 6 inches deep.
- Add a 1-inch layer of compost.
- Remove weeds and rocks.
Step 3: Plant Seeds Or Seedlings
You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Or direct sow after the danger of frost is past.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart, depending on variety.
- Water gently after planting.
Seedlings are easier for beginners. Plant them at the same depth as their pot.
Step 4: Water And Care
Marigolds are drought-tolerant once established. But they bloom better with regular water.
- Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Do not fertilize too much. Too much nitrogen reduces flowers.
Bees need a steady supply of flowers. Deadheading keeps the plants producing.
Do Marigolds Repel Bees
Some people think marigolds repel bees because of their strong scent. This is not true for most bees.
The scent of marigolds can deter some insects like mosquitoes and aphids. But bees are not bothered by it.
In fact, the bright colors of marigolds attract bees. Yellow and orange are very visible to bees.
However, double marigolds may seem to repel bees simply because the bees cannot access the nectar. The bees learn to avoid them.
So, no, marigolds do not repel bees. They just need to be the right type.
Companion Planting With Marigolds
Marigolds are famous for companion planting. They help protect vegetables from pests.
But they also attract pollinators. This is a double benefit for your garden.
Good Companions For Marigolds
- Tomatoes: Marigolds repel nematodes and whiteflies.
- Peppers: Attract bees for pollination.
- Squash: Bees visit marigolds and then pollinate squash flowers.
- Beans: Marigolds attract beneficial insects.
Plant marigolds around the edges of your vegetable beds. This creates a pollinator corridor.
Plants To Avoid Near Marigolds
Marigolds release a chemical that can inhibit the growth of some plants.
- Beans: Some beans may be stunted.
- Cabbage: Marigolds can attract slugs to cabbage.
But these effects are mild. Most gardeners find marigolds helpful overall.
When Do Marigolds Bloom For Bees
Marigolds bloom from late spring until the first frost. This is a long season of food for bees.
In warm climates, they can bloom year-round. In cooler areas, they die back in winter.
To maximize bee benefit, plant marigolds in succession. Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
This ensures a continuous supply of fresh flowers. Bees need consistent food sources.
Common Mistakes With Marigolds And Bees
Many gardeners make these errors. Avoid them to keep bees happy.
Mistake 1: Buying Double-Flowered Varieties
These look pretty but are useless for bees. Always check the flower type on the seed packet.
Look for words like “single”, “open”, or “semi-double”. Avoid “fully double” or “pom-pom”.
Mistake 2: Over-Fertilizing
Too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen, makes marigolds grow lots of leaves but few flowers.
Bees need flowers, not leaves. Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly.
Mistake 3: Planting In Shade
Marigolds in shade become leggy and produce fewer blooms. Bees will not visit as often.
Always plant in full sun for maximum flower production.
Mistake 4: Using Pesticides
Pesticides kill bees. Even organic ones can harm them. Avoid spraying marigolds.
If you must control pests, use insecticidal soap at dusk when bees are not active.
Do Bees Like Marigolds Compared To Other Flowers
Marigolds are good, but they are not the best bee flowers. Some flowers are more attractive.
| Flower | Bee Attraction |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Excellent |
| Sunflower | Excellent |
| Coneflower | Excellent |
| Marigold (single) | Good |
| Zinnia | Good |
| Petunia | Low |
Marigolds are a solid choice, but mix them with other bee-friendly plants for best results.
A diverse garden supports more bee species. Include native plants as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bees Like Marigolds More Than Other Flowers?
Not necessarily. Bees prefer flowers with open shapes and high nectar. Single marigolds are good, but lavender and sunflowers are often better.
Will Marigolds Keep Bees Away From My Patio?
No. Marigolds attract bees, not repel them. If you want to avoid bees, plant double marigolds, but they are not effective repellents.
Can I plant marigolds in a bee-friendly garden?
Yes, but choose single-flowered varieties. French and Signet marigolds are excellent choices for a pollinator garden.
Do Bumblebees Like Marigolds?
Yes, bumblebees visit single marigolds regularly. They are strong enough to push into semi-double flowers as well.
How Many Marigolds Do I Need To Attract Bees?
A cluster of at least 5-10 plants will attract bees. A larger patch is even better. Group them together for visibility.
Final Thoughts On Marigolds And Bees
So, do bees like marigolds? Yes, but only the right kinds. Single-flowered marigolds are a valuable food source for bees.
Double-flowered marigolds are pretty but offer little to pollinators. Always check the flower type before buying.
Plant marigolds in full sun, water them regularly, and avoid pesticides. Your bees will be happy.
Remember, a bee-friendly garden is a diverse garden. Marigolds are one piece of the puzzle. Combine them with other native flowers for the best results.
Happy gardening, and thank you for helping the bees.