Crackerjack Marigold is a towering African marigold that brings bold color and abundance to full-sun gardens across zones 2 through 11. These vigorous annuals produce large, fully double blooms in rich shades of lemon yellow to deep orange, reaching 24 to 36 inches tall and flowering prolifically within 70 to 85 days of planting. Despite the name suggesting a compact plant, Crackerjack delivers generous height and dramatic presence, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking statement-making flowers rather than modest bedding displays.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
3in H x ?in W
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High
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The dense, double blooms on these tall African marigolds command attention from early summer through frost, with each plant producing flowers in a range from bright lemon yellow to warm deep orange. Crackerjack grows vigorously in full sun and germinates quickly, sprouting in just 5 to 10 days when soil temperatures sit between 70°F and 80°F. Plant them 10 to 12 inches apart and they'll fill garden beds with prolific, long-lasting color, exactly the kind of straightforward, rewarding annual that builds gardener confidence.
Crackerjack Marigolds are grown primarily for their ornamental flowers, which bloom abundantly throughout the growing season. Gardeners use them to fill borders, add height and color to mixed beds, and create bold drifts of yellow and orange in sunny spaces.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Maintain soil temperatures between 70°F and 80°F for optimal germination, which occurs in 5 to 10 days. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting in the garden. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart in full sun.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and thin seedlings to 10 to 12 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming throughout the season. Pinch back the growing tips of young plants when they reach 4 to 6 inches tall to promote bushier, more branched growth and denser flowering. The upright growth habit means light pruning to shape plants is optional but can improve their appearance in garden displays.
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