Anuual Tagetes Patula (French Marigold) Low-growing Plant Mixed Colors 300 Seeds Flowers from July to October Commonly planted in butterfly gardens as a nectar source The florets can also be used to color human foods. The plant is used in companion planting for many vegetable crops. Its root secretions are believed to kill nematodes in the soil and it is said to repel harmful insects, such as white flies on tomatoes. The heads contain mostly hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs) florets and are pollinated primarily by beetles in the wild, as well as by tachinid flies and other insects.