So, I guess I'm going to order heirloom marigold seeds from Heirloom seeds and wondering if anyone here knows which is smellier (and better for bugs): French or African?

I'm afraid to order seeds from any place that doesn't specialize in heirlooms because they may be odorless hybrids.

Thanks for any info you can give!

You can order the old fashion marigolds directly from Seed Savers Exchange. They have several that are listed as "traditional scent" or being used against nematodes. I'm trying out Jolly Jester this year. Follow the link below. Scroll down to the middle of the page for the marigolds.

I read somewhere that French marigolds are supposed to be very effective and Mexican marigolds (T. minuta) even more so. Unfortunately, Mexican marigolds are said to have a bad effect on beans and cabbage, so I think I'll skip them.

Good luck,
Bellatrix

'Orange Boy' has good smell (orange French dwarf), so does 'Troubadour' (yellow French dwarf).
Susan

david e