Mary Helen Yellow African Marigold

Mary Helen Yellow African Marigold is a striking, vibrant flower that brings sunshine to any garden. Featuring large, bright lemon-yellow blooms that stand out against its dark green foliage, Mary Helen is super eye-catching with its ability to reach heights of 3-4 feet. Known for its resilience and vibrant color, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to any garden or container. African Marigolds are known for their ability to repel and their long-lasting blooms, making it a perfect choice for a cheerful display in flower beds or borders. Its versatility shines as it also works wonderfully in pots or hanging baskets, offering instant color to patios and balconies. Easy to care for, this marigold is drought-tolerant once established, ensuring less maintenance.

Also Known As: Mary Helen African Marigold, Tagetes Erecta, African Marigold, Mexican Marigold, American Marigold, Golden Marigold, Big Yellow Marigold, Helen Marigold, Summer Marigold, Aztec Marigold, Calendula, Lemon Marigold.

Plant Name:	African Marigold, Mary Helen
Latin Name:	Tagetes erecta
Days to Germinate:	5-8
Days to Bloom:	50
Plant Height:	3 - 4 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	3 - 4 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual, Perennial 8-11
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.