Marigolds aren't a great repellent for mosquitoes
Marigolds will keep mosquitoes away from your home according to an old wives' tale or urban legend. The belief is that the mosquitoes dislike the natural scent of the marigold plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Marigolds
Scientifically known as Tagetes, marigolds typically have orange or yellow blossoms, though multiple varieties of the plant exist, including African marigolds and Mule marigolds. Marigolds grow best in moist soil that isn't overly wet and the flowers prefer sunny areas. The plants begin blooming in mid-summer and continue to bloom until the first frost.
Considerations
The idea that marigolds repel mosquitoes may come from the fact that gardeners sometimes plant marigolds as a way to repel aphids. The strong scent of the marigold plants supposedly also repels mosquitoes.
Warning
Before you plant marigolds around your house, you should know that the plants have no affect on mosquitoes. Ron Smith of Hortiscope states that mosquitoes aren't repelled by the scent and may actually be found hovering near marigold plants. Smith says that no type of marigold works as a mosquito repellent.
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