Companion Flowers for Vegetable Gardens

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Are you looking to take your vegetable garden to the next level? Consider companion planting! This ancient technique involves planting different crops in close proximity to one another in order to reap a number of benefits.

One key benefit of companion planting is that it can help control pests naturally. Some plants have natural insect-repelling properties, and by interplanting them with your veggies, you can help keep pests at bay without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Another advantage of companion planting is that it can attract beneficial insects to your garden. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential for fruit and vegetable production, so it's important to create an environment that encourages their presence.

Furthermore, certain companion plants can also help improve soil health. For example, legumes like beans and peas can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can be used by neighboring plants.

Now that you know why companion planting is so beneficial, let's dive into some of the best companion flowers to plant in your vegetable garden:

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular choice for companion planting, as they're easy to grow, come in a variety of colors, and have natural pest-repelling properties. They release a substance called alpha-terthienyl, which repels root-knot nematodes and other pests that attack the roots of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids and other harmful pests.

When planting marigolds in your vegetable garden, be sure to choose the French or signet varieties, as they're the most effective at repelling pests. Plant them around the perimeter of your garden or in between rows of vegetables for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are easy to grow from seed or transplants. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting marigolds, space them 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as marigolds can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great companion flower for vegetable gardens. They're easy to grow, come in a variety of colors, and have a peppery flavor that makes them a tasty addition to salads and other dishes.

But beyond their culinary uses, nasturtiums also have natural pest-repelling properties. They release an oil that repels aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that attack vegetables like cucumbers, squash, and melons.

In addition, nasturtiums attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which are natural predators of aphids and other pests.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting nasturtiums, space them 8-12 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as nasturtiums can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beautiful flower with bright orange and yellow petals. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, calendula also has natural pest-repelling properties. It releases a substance that repels aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that attack vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

In addition, calendula attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids and other harmful pests.

How to Grow Calendula

Calendula prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting calendula, space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as calendula can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Borage

Borage is a beautiful blue-flowered plant that's easy to grow and has a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

But beyond its pollinator-attracting properties, borage also has natural pest-repelling properties. It releases a substance that repels tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and other pests that attack vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, and broccoli.

In addition, borage is a great companion plant for strawberries, as it helps improve soil health by fixing nitrogen in the soil.

How to Grow Borage

Borage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting borage, space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as borage can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a fragrant flower that's often used in tea and other beverages. But beyond its culinary uses, chamomile also has natural pest-repelling properties. It releases a substance that repels aphids, thrips, and other pests that attack vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.

In addition, chamomile attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies, which are natural predators of aphids and other harmful pests.

How to Grow Chamomile

Chamomile prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting chamomile, space them 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as chamomile can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful purple-flowered plant that's often used in aromatherapy and other therapeutic applications. But beyond its relaxing properties, lavender also has natural pest-repelling properties. It releases a substance that repels fleas, ticks, and other pests that attack vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

In addition, lavender attracts beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting lavender, space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as lavender can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they also have a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

In addition, sunflowers can help improve soil health by removing toxins from the soil. They're particularly effective at removing lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting sunflowers, space them 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as sunflowers can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Zinnias

Zinnias are a colorful flower that's easy to grow and has a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

In addition, zinnias can help improve soil health by attracting earthworms, which help aerate and fertilize the soil.

How to Grow Zinnias

Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting zinnias, space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as zinnias can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Pansies

Pansies are a colorful flower that's easy to grow and has a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

In addition, pansies can help improve soil health by suppressing weeds and attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings.

How to Grow Pansies

Pansies prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting pansies, space them 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as pansies can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Cosmos

Cosmos are a beautiful flower that's easy to grow and has a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

In addition, cosmos can help improve soil health by attracting earthworms, which help aerate and fertilize the soil.

How to Grow Cosmos

Cosmos prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting cosmos, space them 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as cosmos can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum is a fragrant flower that's easy to grow and has a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

In addition, sweet alyssum can help improve soil health by suppressing weeds and attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings.

How to Grow Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting sweet alyssum, space them 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as sweet alyssum can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower, also known as echinacea, is a beautiful flower that's often used in herbal medicine. But beyond its medicinal properties, purple coneflower also has natural pest-repelling properties. It releases a substance that repels Japanese beetles and other pests that attack vegetables like beans, peas, and corn.

In addition, purple coneflower attracts beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

How to Grow Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting purple coneflower, space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as purple coneflower can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a fragrant flower that's often used in tea and other beverages. But beyond its culinary uses, bee balm also has natural pest-repelling properties. It releases a substance that repels aphids, cabbage worms, and other pests that attack vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli.

In addition, bee balm attracts beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting bee balm, space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as bee balm can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.

Ageratum

Ageratum is a beautiful blue-flowered plant that's easy to grow and has a number of benefits for your vegetable garden. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit and vegetable production.

In addition, ageratum can help improve soil health by suppressing weeds and attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings.

How to Grow Ageratum

Ageratum prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

When transplanting ageratum, space them 6-12 inches apart. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as ageratum can suffer from root rot if their soil is too wet.



Companion planting is a great way to maximize the health and productivity of your vegetable garden. By interplanting certain flowers with your veggies, you can attract beneficial insects, repel pests, and improve soil health. Some of the best companion flowers for vegetable gardens include marigolds, nasturtiums, calendula, borage, chamomile, lavender, sunflowers, zinnias, pansies, cosmos, sweet alyssum, purple coneflower, bee balm, and ageratum.

FAQs

Q: Can I plant these companion flowers in pots?

A: Yes! Many of these companion flowers can be grown in containers, which is great if you don't have a lot of space.

Q: Are there any companion flowers that are harmful to vegetables?

A: While most companion flowers are beneficial to vegetables, there are a few that can be harmful. For example, some members of the allium family (such as garlic and onions) can stunt the growth of beans and peas.

Q: How do I know when to plant these companion flowers?

A: The best time to plant companion flowers will depend on your climate and the specific flower you're planting. Generally, it's best to plant them after the last frost date in your area.

Q: Do these companion flowers require a lot of maintenance?

A: Most of these companion flowers are relatively low-maintenance, but they will require regular watering and occasional fertilization.

Q: Can I use these companion flowers in my flower garden?

A: Absolutely! These companion flowers are beautiful and beneficial, so they're a great choice for any garden.