Cracker Jack Mix African Marigold

Cracker Jack Mix African Marigolds are half-hardy annuals that feature 3-4-inch blooms in bright shades of orange, gold, and yellow! These huge flowers are not affected by deer and have long blooms, lasting from midsummer to first frost. African Marigolds have a history of captivating gardens with their cheerful blooms. In Indian culture, marigolds symbolize purity, auspiciousness, and the divine. African Marigolds grow to 2-3 feet tall on compact, bushy plants. Create enchanting borders around your garden beds or rich displays in beds and containers with these cheerful and vivid blooms!

Also Known As: Cracker Jack Mix Marigold, African Marigold, Tall Marigold, Orange and Yellow Mix Marigold, Giant Mix Marigold.

Plant Name:	African Marigold, Cracker Jack Mix
Latin Name:	Tagetes erecta
Days to Germinate:	5-8
Days to Bloom:	50
Plant Height:	2 - 3 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	3 - 4 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Marigolds are low-maintenance flowers and benefit from regular watering, allowing the soil to slightly between waterings. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season, keeping plants vibrant. Marigolds are relatively pest-resistant. Fertilizing lightly every few weeks with a balanced flower fertilizer promotes healthy growth, but excessive nitrogen can lead to more foliage and fewer blooms. As cooler temperatures approach, marigolds may decline, but their prolific blooming makes them a standout in summer gardens.