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Do Japanese Beetles really hate marigolds?

We recently had an infestation of Japanese Beetles in our yard - right around our vegetable garden. The odd thing is that they have not touched any of the vegetable plants but are clustered (as in completely covering) the marigold plants we planted around the garden to deter rabbits. All the info I can find states that the beetles HATE marigolds and that they are great deterants. So why are they focusing on and destroying my marigolds? Are they more of a trap plant - keeping the beetles away from the vegetables or what?

Public Comments

1. Interesting. Don't know the answer to your question, but my marigolds are slug and snail magnets.
2. In New Zealand we plant Marigolds around tomatoes as it keeps the bugs away.Perhaps your beetles need some other deterrent?Check on Google.