If you’re planning a pollinator garden, you might be wondering: do honey bees like marigolds? The relationship between these iconic bees and these cheerful flowers is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While marigolds are a fantastic garden plant, understanding what attracts honey bees helps you make the best choices for your space.
This article will give you the straight facts on marigolds and honey bees. We’ll look at the science, compare different marigold types, and show you how to use them effectively to support all your local pollinators, from honey bees to bumblebees and butterflies.
Do Honey Bees Like Marigolds
The short answer is yes, honey bees will visit marigolds, but they are not typically their first choice. Marigolds are not the equivalent of a bee’s favorite restaurant; they’re more like a reliable cafe they’ll pop into when other options are limited. Honey bees are driven by the need for nectar (for energy) and pollen (for protein to feed their young). A flower’s appeal depends on how easily they can access these rewards.
Marigolds, especially some modern hybrid varieties, have been bred for compact growth and double blooms. These dense, ruffled petals can sometimes make it harder for bees to reach the nectar and pollen inside. So, while honey bees can and do visit marigolds, they might pass them over if more attractive blooms like borage, lavender, or sunflowers are nearby.
What Makes a Flower Attractive to Honey Bees?
To understand the marigold’s role, it’s helpful to know what honey bees are looking for. They have specific preferences shaped by their physiology and needs.
* Color and Pattern: Honey bees see the world differently than we do. They are especially attracted to blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow flowers. Many marigolds fit the yellow and orange spectrum, which is visible to them. Some marigold varieties even have ultraviolet nectar guides—patterns invisible to us—that direct bees right to the sweet spot.
Scent: A flower’s fragrance is a powerful advertisement. Bees have an excellent sense of smell and are drawn to pleasant, floral scents. The distinct, pungent aroma of marigold foliage, however, is more often used to deter certain pests like aphids and nematodes.
* Flower Shape: Simple, single-petaled flowers with a clear central disc are easiest for honey bees to land on and work. Tubular flowers are better suited for long-tongued bees like bumblebees.
* Nectar and Pollen Availability: This is the most critical factor. The flower must offer a good reward. Plants that have been overly hybridized for looks sometimes sacrifice nectar and pollen production.
Types of Marigolds and Their Bee Appeal
Not all marigolds are created equal in the eyes of a honey bee. Choosing the right type makes a big difference.
French Marigolds (Tagetes patula)
These are the compact, bushy marigolds common in garden edges and containers. They come in many colors, from yellow to deep red. Their bee appeal is moderate.
* Best for Bees: Look for single-flowered or semi-double varieties. These have a more open center where the pollen is easily accessible. The ‘Gem’ series or ‘Queen Sophia’ are good examples.
* Less Attractive: Avoid fully double, pom-pom like varieties. They’re beautiful but can be a frustrating dead-end for a foraging bee trying to find the nectar.
African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
Known for their large, globe-shaped flower heads on taller stems, these are often called American marigolds. Their bee appeal is generally lower than French types.
* The Challenge: Most popular African marigold cultivars are fully double, creating a massive wall of petals that hides the flower’s reproductive parts. A honey bee will likely ignore these in favor of an easier meal.
* Exception: Seek out single African marigold varieties, which are less common but much better for pollinators.
Signet Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)
These are the pollinator champions of the marigold world. They feature masses of tiny, single, daisy-like flowers on lacy foliage and a lovely citrusy scent.
* Why Bees Love Them: Their simple, open shape provides effortless access to nectar and pollen. Honey bees, native bees, and butterflies will visit them consistently. The ‘Lemon Gem’ and ‘Tangerine Gem’ varieties are exceptional choices for any bee garden.
How to Use Marigolds to Attract Beneficial Pollinators
Your goal is to create a diverse buffet. Here’s how to integrate marigolds strategically to support honey bees and other beneficial insects.
1. Prioritize Single-Petal Varieties. Always choose signet marigolds or single-flowered French types. Read seed packets or plant tags carefully; look for words like “single,” “open,” or “good for pollinators.”
2. Plant in Large Groups. Bees are more likely to notice a large patch of color than a single plant. Cluster your marigolds in drifts of at least three to five plants.
3. Mix Them Into a Pollinator Palette. Don’t rely solely on marigolds. Interplant them with proven bee favorites to create a long season of bloom.
* Spring: Crocus, lungwort, rosemary
* Summer: Borage, lavender, echinacea, catmint, sunflowers, zinnias
* Fall: Sedum, goldenrod, asters
4. Ensure a Continuous Bloom. Deadhead spent marigold flowers regularly. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms instead of setting seed, extending the food supply for bees.
5. Avoid Pesticides. This is non-negotiable. Even organic pesticides can harm bees. The beauty of marigolds is their natural pest-deterring properties, which should reduce the need for any sprays.
The Other Garden Benefits of Marigolds
While their bee appeal is specific, marigolds are a powerhouse of other garden benefits that indirectly support a healthy ecosystem.
* Pest Deterrence: Their roots release a compound (alpha-terthienyl) that suppresses root-knot nematodes in the soil. Their strong scent can repel whiteflies and aphids from nearby plants like tomatoes.
* Companion Planting: They are classic companions in vegetable gardens. Plant them near tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and beans.
* Edible Blooms: Signet marigold petals are edible and have a citrusy flavor, perfect for garnishing salads.
Remember, a garden teeming with life includes more than just honey bees. Marigolds, especially the right kinds, are fantastic at attracting a wide range of beneficial insects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What flowers do honey bees like more than marigolds?
A: Honey bees strongly prefer flowers with high nectar and pollen yields that are easy to access. Top choices include borage, lavender, anise hyssop, sunflowers (single varieties), catmint, rosemary, and fruit tree blossoms.
Q: Do marigolds attract other pollinators besides honey bees?
A: Absolutely! Single-flowered and signet marigolds are excellent for attracting bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies (whose larvae eat aphids), and butterflies. They support a whole community of beneficial garden insects.
Q: Are there any marigolds that repel bees?
A: Not exactly. Bees aren’t repelled by the scent; they’re just not highly attracted to varieties where the food is hard to reach. The strong scent is more a deterrent for certain insect pests, not bees.
Q: Should I plant marigolds in my vegetable garden to help with pollination?
A: Yes, but with strategy. Plant single-petaled marigolds around the borders or intermingled with your veggies. They can help deter pests and may bring in some bees, but for optimal veggie pollination, ensure you also have dedicated, high-attraction bee plants flowering at the same time as your crops.
Q: Is the nectar from marigolds good for honey bees?
A: The nectar from accessible marigold varieties is a suitable food source for honey bees. It provides sugars for energy. For a strong hive, however, bees need a diverse diet from many floral sources, not just one type of flower.
By choosing the right marigolds and planting them thoughtfully within a diverse garden, you can enjoy their vibrant color and pest-repelling benefits while also providing a valuable resource for honey bees and countless other pollinators. It’s a simple step towards a more resilient and lively garden ecosystem.