Marigold

Basic Information

Seed Number

122

Seed Name

Marigold

Variety

Crackerjack

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

African marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 1

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 30

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 1 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jun 30

Transplant

May 12 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

5 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

1 weeks

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

70–85 days to bloom

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-80°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

10-12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

10-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Water during establishment; mature plants tolerate some dryness but bloom best with deep watering during dry weather

Soil Preference

Well-drained garden soil; moderate fertility

Minimum Container Size

3 gal

Plant Height

24-36 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 15 – Jul 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 45–60 days to bloom
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Some traditional use; mostly ornamental/pest support
Succession / Reusable Notes: Easy border flower and companion plant.
Zone 6B Notes: Deadhead for more blooms.
Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, carrots, brassicas, basil
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Beans sometimes listed as mixed; avoid overcrowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Start indoors 4-6 weeks before May 5 or direct sow after frost. Tall plants can benefit from a wind-protected location.
Germination: Sow 1/4 inch deep and keep moist until germination, which generally occurs within 5-10 days around 70-80°F.
Harvest: For cut flowers, harvest stems when blooms have just opened and place immediately in water. Deadheading encourages continued bloom.
Seed Saving: Allow flowers to lose their petals and develop brown, dry seed heads. Separate the mature narrow seeds and dry thoroughly before storage.
Special Care: Crackerjack produces large double flowers in shades of yellow, gold and orange. Tall stems may benefit from light staking in windy locations, but support is not normally required.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/marigold-crackerjack-mix — Tagetes erecta identity, 5-10 day germination, 70-85 day maturity, 70-80°F temperature, 1/4-inch depth, 10-12 inch spacing, height and full sun
Research Source: Everwilde Farms — https://www.everwilde.com/store/African-Marigold-Crackerjack-Wildflower-Seeds.html — 30-inch height, drought tolerance, pollinator attraction, container use, cut-flower harvest and seed-saving procedure
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]