Flowers are great companion plants for vegetables because they attracting pollinators and deterring pests, all while promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.
Plus, having vibrant blooms in your garden provides the bonus of having fresh-cut flowers for your home.
What flowers go well with vegetables?
- Nasturtium
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Sunflower
- Pansy
- Petunia
- Dahlia
- Mums Chrysanthemum morifolium
Why plant flowers in your vegetable garden?
- Attract pollinators: the best flowers to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies include marigolds and lavender, which can enhance vegetable pollination.
- Attract beneficial bugs: marigolds attract bugs, such as ladybugs, that prey on aphids. Here are some plants that repel aphids.
- Natural pest control: certain flowers, like chrysanthemums, repel pests such as aphids, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Add colour: Flowers add colour, texture, and beauty to the garden, creating a visually appealing space.
Best companion flowers for vegetables
Nasturtium
In Australia, growing nasturtium alongside vegetables adds vibrant colour to your garden but also acts as a natural pest deterrent and attracts beneficial insects.
- Light: full sun
- Water: water regularly
- Soil: well-draining soil
Marigolds
It’s a great idea to plant marigolds alongside vegetables in your garden as they naturally repel insects like whiteflies. Not only that, but they also come in a range of different types and colours.
- Light: full sun
- Water: fairly drought tolerant. You don’t need to water them much once established
- Soil: well-draining soil
Lavender
Planting lavender with vegetables attracts beneficial insects, repels pests, including cabbage moths, and improves soil health.
- Light: full sun
- Water: once established, lavender is a drought-hardy plant
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
Sunflower
Planting sunflowers alongside a vegetable garden attracts pollinators, adds visual interest, and provides shade and support for taller vegetables.
- Light: full sun
- Water: water regularly
- Soil: moist, well-draining soil
Pansy
Planting pansies with vegetables adds colour, attracts beneficial insects, and helps maintain soil moisture levels in the garden.
- Light: part sun
- Water: keep moist without overwatering
- Soil: moist, well-draining soil
Dahlias
Planting dahlias in a vegetable garden enhances visual appeal nad attracts pollinators, such as butterflies. In saying that, it can attract other pests, so make sure you have another pest-repelling plant in the garden, too.
- Light: plenty of sun
- Water: water generously at first, then only lightly until the plant reaches about 15cm high
- Soil: moist, rich and well-drained soil
Chrysanthemums
Planting chrysanthemums in a vegetable garden is a great way to help deter a whole assortment of pests (like ants, aphids, cutworms and other larvae), add colour and attract beneficial insects such as pollinators. For added pest protection, plant them next to petunias and marigolds.
- Light: plenty of sun
- Water: water well in warm weather, but they don’t like wet feet
- Soil: well-draining soil
Related articles:
Garden plants that battle the bugs
5 eco-friendly pest control solutions
Stylish indoor plants that won’t poison your pets
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