Grow a garden filled with Crackerjack Marigold Mixture, from freshly harvested Tagetes erecta flower seeds. Crackerjack Marigold Mixture will produce gorgeous, double petaled blooms in an array of warm colors, such as gold, orange and yellow. The 4 inch flower heads are populated with rows and rows of tightly packed petals, creating a pom pom effect. Their large surfaces make them easy for butterflies and bumblebees to land on and can also attract many honeybees and hummingbirds as well. The plants themselves reach a mature height of roughly 24 to 36 inches tall and are popularly used as a cut flower in many bouquets and floral arrangements as well.
Categorized as an annual flowering plant, Crackerjack Marigold will grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. The plants bloom through the summer months and then later die with the first frost. Seeds are easily collected from spent blooms at the end of the Autumn season. You can also expect the plants to regrow the following season if the seeds drop to the bare ground beneath.
As explained above, Crackerjack Marigold is perfect for attracting beneficial insects to the garden. They can be used in insectaries and butterfly gardens, and can also be mixed with a number of other colorful varieties of wildflowers. Grow Crackerjack Marigold Mixture directly in the garden, in flower beds, along borders, such as fences, walkways and driveways, or even in a naturalized setting as well. Sow by the masses for a sea of warm colors. Deadhead for extended blooms.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Orange / Yellow
- Height: 24″ to 36″ Tall
- Width: 20″ to 24″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full Sun
Sowing The Seed
Marigold seeds are best started indoors, in a controlled environment for the best success rate. Sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost, at a depth of 1/16″ under topsoil. Do not bury the seeds as they will need a bit of direct sunlight to properly germinate. Transplant entire pots into the garden, or direct sow when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Marigold plants thrive in an area of full sunlight, with temperatures of around 70F or higher. They prefer a dry climate and don’t require much moisture. The soil can be average, but should be well drained as well. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a spray bottle or mist setting until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Marigold seeds typically take about 7 to 14 days to germinate if the proper conditions are met. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 24 to 36 inches tall and can be spaced about 12 inches apart from one another. The large, 4 inch blooms come in an array of warm colors, including orange, yellow and gold. This heirloom variety also attracts an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees & hummingbirds as well. Excellent cut flowers for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.