- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
- Learn More
Variety Info
Family: Asteraceae
Type: African Marigold (Learn more)
Native: Mexico and South America
Hardiness: Annual
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer to frost
Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall
Variety Info: 4" blooms in tangerine orange, rich gold, and lemony yellow.
Attributes: Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Edible Flower, Good for Containers, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–80°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 5–14 days
Seed Depth: ¼"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18"
Thinning: When 1" tall thin to 1 every 18"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: For the longest vase-life, harvest in the morning, choosing flowers that are half-open. Change vase water frequently.
- RobinRated 5 out of 5 stars3/27/26Prolific Grower!
I had a lot of success growing this variety. I started them indoors in seed trays, then transplanted in the garden. They grew so fast and so big! I did not read the seed packet well enough to know just how tall these would get. I planted them around my veg garden and had to cut them back so the tomato plants could get sun! Lesson learned! I used the cuttings in flower arrangements. That being said, the flower heads were large and attracted many butterflies and bees. I will definitely plant these again, just not around the veg patch.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests3/31/26Hey Robin,
What a fantastic adventure with your Crackerjack African Marigold Seeds! We love hearing about those "oops" moments that turn into great learning experiences - sounds like these beauties really lived up to their reputation for getting big and tall! It's so smart that you turned those cuttings into flower arrangements instead of just composting them. And how wonderful that they brought so many butterflies and bees to your garden - that's exactly what we love to see! Your plan to give them their own space away from the veggie patch next time sounds perfect. These marigolds definitely deserve room to show off their full glory! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Rachell C.Rated 5 out of 5 stars1/21/26Huge and Beautiful
These were the absolute best flowers I have ever grown. They are so big, stunning, and they are truly the best pest deterrent for my tomatoes. Excited to grow them again this summer!
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests1/22/26Hey Rachell,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your amazing experience with our Crackerjack African Marigold Seeds! We're absolutely thrilled to hear they were the best flowers you've ever grown - what an incredible compliment! It's fantastic that you're experiencing both their stunning beauty and their fantastic pest-deterrent qualities for your tomatoes. We love that these big, gorgeous blooms are working double duty in your garden! We're so excited that you're planning to grow them again this summer - they're going to be just as spectacular! Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your wonderful success with us. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Cary R.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/30/25Giant!!
I loved these!!! I grew them in 6 spots in my garden and I can’t believe how beautiful and different each plant was. Blooms varied from the big fluffy marigolds to single petal, bright yellow to deep orange. They were also giant - so tall! The bees loved them. I can’t wait to plant these again next year!!!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests12/1/25Hey Cary,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your amazing experience with our Crackerjack African Marigold Seeds! Your photo is incredible. They are giant for sure! We absolutely love hearing that you grew them in 6 different spots and got such beautiful variety - from those big fluffy blooms to the single petals in all those gorgeous shades from bright yellow to deep orange! And how exciting that they grew so tall and giant for you! Marigolds are such wonderful pollinator magnets, we love h hearing the bees love them too. It sounds like you created an absolutely stunning display in your garden! We can't wait for you to grow them again next year. Thanks for sharing your beautiful growing success with us. Keep on growing 🌻️
- KRISTINA S.Verified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars10/19/256 seeds sprouted and then died
Dry disappointed
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests10/29/25Hey Kristina,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- LindseyVerified BuyerRated 2 out of 5 stars8/31/25These look nothing like the picture
These flowers do not look like your typical crackerjack african marigolds. They are single petel blooms and are not the round ball I was expecting. I have 7 plants and they are all yellow, no orange and all the blooms look like this. and they are pretty wimpy too. Several lose a few of the petals it produces when you cut them. I have to cut them out of my garden because they are taking up way too much space and not giving me the blooms I was expecting.
Which best describes you as a gardener? ProfessionalBIBotanical Interests9/10/25Hey Lindsey,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️