Growing Crackerjack African Marigold Flower Garden Seeds

How to Grow Cracker Jack Marigold from Seed

Cracker Jack marigolds are a hardy full sun performer and most commonly sown directly after the frost but, for earliest blooms, begin seeds 6"8 weeks indoors prior to the frost. Marigolds will take 7"14 days to germinate in full lighting. Plants may require early staking since blooming heads may grow to be too heavy and cause stress to the plant if not supported. Plant 2"3 Cracker Jack marigold seeds ¼" deep per cell and 12" apart in average, evenly moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Cracker Jack marigold is a vigorous full sun performer native to Mexico and known to tolerate gardens prone to heat, drought, and clay soils.

Do not overwater since marigolds will perform poorly in oversaturated gardens which can lead to powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spots, and Botrytis. Marigold has no serious pests but monitor regularly for spider mites and thrips. Cracker Jack marigold seeds mature in 77"84 days as 24"36" tall bushy uprights with a 9"12" spread of enormous 3"5½" fully-double marigold blooms. Cracker Jack marigold is an edible variety of flower primarily as a food dye for vibrant coloring, dried marigold will have a hint of spicy or citrus notes.

About Crackerjack Marigold Seeds

You remember Grandma's marigolds? No garden should be without them. They not only bright up your landscape, but that are so easy to grow and repel harmful nematodes in your soil. Crackerjack is a mix of 4" wide flowers of golds, yellows, tangerines and oranges that is sure to brighten any garden.

• Blooms early.
• The plants are sturdy and about 30-42" tall.
• Remember to only lightly cover these thin seeds for easy germination.
• Germination normally take 7-10 days when the soil temperature is 70 degrees.
• Remember to dead-head them to keep those blooms coming all summer.
• Use them in the garden at the heads of rows, use them in pots on your patio or in hanging baskets.
• Crackerjack makes great boquets for fresh or dried arrangements.
• Excellent in bunches for Farmers Marktet sales.

Tagetes erecta, or more commonly known as Aztec Marigold, is one of the most awarded, recognized, and cultivated flowers in the entire world. Tagetes erecta is native to Mexico, (specifically its states of Mexico, Puebla, and Veracruz) despite having a variety of names including African Marigold or American Marigold. Marigold has been used for thousands of years by pre-Spanish civilizations in medicine, food, dyes, and ritual. Marigold cultivars have won more than 50 All-American Selections awards and do not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.