The strongest-scented marigolds I have found were called "Lemon Drop", I believe (or lemon-something). They are dainty, mound-forming plants with tiny flowers & lacy foliage. They give off an incredibly strong scent when brushed against. I found them in my local nursery, so they should be widely available. There is a "Tangerine" version also.

Hi Julianna,

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

Here is a link that might be useful: Seed Savers Exchange Marigolds

Julianna,
I too haven't been able to find old-fashioned smelling marigolds at garden centers for years, and now start my own.

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

i planted mexican mar. in my bush beans and they did just fine . and i think to get the full effect of the marigold you need to have it tilled into the soil after they die off , for protection (nematode)the coming growing season . i may be wrong but thats what my thought was. please correct me if i'm wrong

david e

The African marigolds are the ones who have the chemical that repels nematodes, if they are a problem in your area. However they have to be there for a couple years first or something. Try the companion planting or the pest control forums perhaps?

Hi,
Park's Seed Co. in S.C. has Golden Guardian Marigolds advertized to rid you of nematodes. I am going to try them this year. Their website will explain more.
zinia