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Marigold African Crackerjack Mix

Tagetes erecta 'Crackerjack Mix'

These towering giants produce enormous 4-5 inch pompom blooms in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and yellow that command attention in any garden. Their sturdy stems make them excellent cut flowers, while their natural pest-repelling properties make them beloved companions for vegetable gardens.

Harvest

70-80d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

tah-JEE-tees ee-RECK-tah

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-4 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Marigold African Crackerjack Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Marigold African Crackerjack Mix · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained, average to poor soil

pH6.0-7.5

Water1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorNot edible - bitter and pungent

ColorMix of bright yellow, gold, and orange

Size4-5 inches across

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: tah-JEE-tees ee-RECK-tah. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Color: Black. Type: Achene.

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Fall, Summer

Edibility: Sap or juice can cause a rash.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh-cut Crackerjack Mix marigolds last 7-10 days when stems are recut underwater and placed in clean, cool water with flower food. Store arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources, changing water every 2-3 days.

For preservation, air-dry whole flower heads by hanging stems upside down in a warm, dry, dark location with good air circulation. Properly dried flowers retain their shape and much of their color for 6-8 months in craft projects. Alternatively, remove petals and dry them on screens for potpourri—the natural oils provide pest-repelling properties even when dried.

Press individual petals between absorbent paper for use in botanical crafts, though the thick pompom structure makes whole flower pressing difficult. Avoid freezing fresh flowers as the high water content in marigold petals causes them to become mushy when thawed. The strong, distinctive scent intensifies during drying, making them excellent additions to sachets for natural pest deterrence in stored clothing or linens.

History & Origin

Origin: Mexico to Guatemala

Advantages

+Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Colorful
+Wildlife value: attracts butterflies
+Edible: Sap or juice can cause a rash.
+Low maintenance

Considerations

-Toxic (Flowers, Roots, Sap/Juice): Low severity
-Causes contact dermatitis

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Marigolds repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes

Basil

Both plants repel similar pests and basil attracts beneficial insects

Peppers

Marigolds deter aphids, spider mites, and other pests that damage pepper plants

Cucumbers

Marigolds repel cucumber beetles and other harmful insects

Cabbage

Helps deter cabbage worms and other brassica pests

Beans

Marigolds repel Mexican bean beetles and improve overall garden health

Nasturtiums

Both attract beneficial insects and create a pest-confusing polyculture

Carrots

Marigolds help repel carrot flies and other root vegetable pests

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Juglone toxin from walnut roots inhibits marigold growth and can kill plants

Fennel

Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth and germination of marigolds

Mint

Aggressive spreading nature competes for nutrients and space, can overtake marigolds

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to most diseases, may suffer from root rot in wet conditions

Common Pests

Spider mites, aphids (but repels many garden pests)

Diseases

Root rot, powdery mildew in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Marigold African Crackerjack Mix take to bloom?▼

Crackerjack Mix marigolds take 70-80 days from seed to first blooms. If you start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost, you'll see flowers by mid-summer. Direct sown seeds planted after soil warms to 65°F will bloom later in the season, typically late July through August in most climates.

Can you grow African Crackerjack marigolds in containers?▼

Yes, but use large containers at least 12 inches deep and wide. These plants reach 3-4 feet tall with massive blooms, so they need substantial root space and will require staking. Choose heavy containers to prevent tipping, ensure excellent drainage, and be prepared for more frequent watering than garden-planted specimens.

Are Marigold African Crackerjack Mix good for beginners?▼

Absolutely! These are among the easiest flowers to grow from seed. They tolerate poor soil, drought, and heat while requiring minimal care beyond regular watering and deadheading. The main beginner mistake is overwatering—let soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

Do African Crackerjack marigolds really repel garden pests?▼

Yes, their strong scent naturally deters aphids, whiteflies, cucumber beetles, and root-knot nematodes. Plant them near tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers for companion planting benefits. However, they may attract spider mites in hot, dry conditions, so monitor closely during heat waves.

When should I plant African Crackerjack Mix marigold seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow outdoors after soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently. In most areas, this means starting indoors in March-April or direct sowing in May. Cold soil prevents germination, so patience with soil temperature is key.

How big do African Crackerjack Mix marigolds get?▼

These giants reach 3-4 feet tall with a 12-18 inch spread. The individual flowers are massive at 4-5 inches across—among the largest marigold blooms available. Plan for adequate spacing of 12-18 inches between plants and have stakes ready for support when blooms develop.