214 · Marigold Crackerjack

About this plant

A tall African marigold, roughly 2.5 to 3 feet, with huge fully double globes 3 to 4 inches across in bright yellow, gold, and orange. A warm-season annual that tolerates heat well and blooms for months, tall enough for the back of a bed. The strong stems make good cut flowers, and bees visit the blooms.

Planting it at home

When to plant out

Wait until after our last frost (about mid-February) and warm soil — usually March. Until then keep the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot and bring it in on cold nights.

Where

Garden beds (tall)

Spacing

12–18"

Size

2.5–3 ft

Support

Bush / compact — little or no support

Care

Sun

Full sun (6–8 h)

Water

Moderate

Feed

A light flower fertilizer every 3–4 weeks while blooming (general guide).

Deadhead

Cut off spent flowers to keep new blooms coming.

Good to know

Caution

Petals only are edible. Do not eat leaves or stems.

Grown from

Seed — sown by FHCG volunteers

Life cycle

Annual

Heirloom or hybrid

Heirloom — saved seeds grow true

Pollinators

Moderate

Days to bloom

45-60 days from transplant

Heat (our summer)

Moderate–High

Cold

Tender (frost-sensitive)

Color

Mixed Yellows

Edible

Petals only, strong flavor; use sparingly (NY Botanical Garden).