fragrant (stinky?) marigolds

debdethier East Helena, MT Dec 26, 2011

Can anyone tell me the name of (and where I can find seeds for) the old-fashioned marigolds that had such a distinct and strong odor? I know some don't care for it but the strongest-smelling ones are also the best at bug-repelling. All the new hybrids are lovely but I miss the smell.
Thanks, Deborah

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dawnsharon2001 New York, NY(Zone 7a) Jan 17, 2012

I think perception of smell varies, and I'm not sure scent in the flowers and leaves is directly linked to expression of anti-nematode chemicals in the roots. There are a couple of small-flowered seed strains with names like "Golden Guardian" (Park Seeds) and "Nema-Gone" (Burpee) that are touted as nematode protection, but they aren't especially pretty. In terms of flower scent, I like the French marigolds (T. patula) Durango, Bonanza, and Janie (the earliest). If you look for those names at nurseries in the spring, you can evaluate the scent yourself.

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PrissyJo Roswell, NM(Zone 6a) Jan 20, 2012

Hi. I planted some marigolds last year from Baker Creek, rareseeds.com, they have several of the old-fashioned kind; they're not as pretty as the moderns but they were really tall and everywhere I put them, there were no bugs!

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