- Germination
- 5-14 (germination); 50-60 (maturity)
- Sun requirements
- Full Sun
- Growing zone(s)
- 3-10
About:
Although named after the continent of Africa, these flowers are native to Central and South America. The misleading name is often attributed to the African trade routes in which they were traded heavily via. Known as one of the tallest varieties of marigold on the market, they often reach between 24" - 36" tall. The flowers themselves are typically a variety of vibrant yellows/golds/oranges and range from 3" - 5" in diameter.
Planting Guide:
Inside: 4-6 weeks before last frost
Outside: 1-2 weeks after last frost; Soil temp ideally between 70F-80F (21C-27C)
Seed Planting Depth: 1/8"-1/4"
Seed Spacing: 2-3 seeds every 12"-18"; thinning weekly until the single strongest sprout remains every 12"-18"
The African Crackerjack is known for being very heat and drought tolerant, thus thriving in poor soil conditions.
Care & Growing:
These will not thrive in partial shade. When they receive less than 6 hours of sunlight, they can become particularly prone to fungal infections. They will also not survive well below temperatures of 40F (4.5C). They enjoy a soil pH of 6.0-7.5 in my experience.
Being a drought tolerant variety, these flowers need relatively little water. If transplanting or direct sowing outdoors, it's always recommended to thoroughly water the flowers until they are well established. Once established you can reduce the water to as little as less than 1"/week. I had drip irrigation already installed, so I put a row of these on the line and they grew pretty excessively. When watering them, avoid the foliage or they can become prone to fungal infections and root rot.
Fertilizing is not necessary unless you're planting in poor soil conditions. However, as with most flowers, they will of course benefit from a seasonal fertilizer and plenty of organic materials in the soil. Deadheading the flowers will result in heavier blooms.
Harvesting:
It's best to cut the flowers early in the morning to avoid stress. Partially opened blooms will tend to last longer once cut. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle with clean scissors or shears (preferably sterilized with alcohol). Immediately place stems in cold water. (Optional) Shear off leaves to reduce pungent aroma.
Pests/Diseases/Pollinators (harmful/beneficial):
Aphids, Spider Mites, Slugs, Snails, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot
Marigolds are known for being pungent in aroma (mostly leaves), and the African Crackerjack is no exception. The smell is often a deterrent to deer and rabbit, and this makes them ideal as border flowers.
The root system is known to produce toxins that both inhibit bacterial growth (hence bad for peas, beans) and ward off nematodes.
These are known as being powerhouse pollinator attractors. They attract a continual flow of bees and butterflies, hummingbirds and the like. They attract ALOT of ladybugs that feast on the harmful insects.
Companion Plants (Popular Do's & Don'ts):
Do's: Tomato, Potato, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cucumber, Squash, Basil
Don'ts: Peas, Beans
Although named after the continent of Africa, these flowers are native to Central and South America. The misleading name is often attributed to the African trade routes in which they were traded heavily via. Known as one of the tallest varieties of marigold on the market, they often reach between 24" - 36" tall. The flowers themselves are typically a variety of vibrant yellows/golds/oranges and range from 3" - 5" in diameter.
Planting Guide:
Inside: 4-6 weeks before last frost
Outside: 1-2 weeks after last frost; Soil temp ideally between 70F-80F (21C-27C)
Seed Planting Depth: 1/8"-1/4"
Seed Spacing: 2-3 seeds every 12"-18"; thinning weekly until the single strongest sprout remains every 12"-18"
The African Crackerjack is known for being very heat and drought tolerant, thus thriving in poor soil conditions.
Care & Growing:
These will not thrive in partial shade. When they receive less than 6 hours of sunlight, they can become particularly prone to fungal infections. They will also not survive well below temperatures of 40F (4.5C). They enjoy a soil pH of 6.0-7.5 in my experience.
Being a drought tolerant variety, these flowers need relatively little water. If transplanting or direct sowing outdoors, it's always recommended to thoroughly water the flowers until they are well established. Once established you can reduce the water to as little as less than 1"/week. I had drip irrigation already installed, so I put a row of these on the line and they grew pretty excessively. When watering them, avoid the foliage or they can become prone to fungal infections and root rot.
Fertilizing is not necessary unless you're planting in poor soil conditions. However, as with most flowers, they will of course benefit from a seasonal fertilizer and plenty of organic materials in the soil. Deadheading the flowers will result in heavier blooms.
Harvesting:
It's best to cut the flowers early in the morning to avoid stress. Partially opened blooms will tend to last longer once cut. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle with clean scissors or shears (preferably sterilized with alcohol). Immediately place stems in cold water. (Optional) Shear off leaves to reduce pungent aroma.
Pests/Diseases/Pollinators (harmful/beneficial):
Aphids, Spider Mites, Slugs, Snails, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot
Marigolds are known for being pungent in aroma (mostly leaves), and the African Crackerjack is no exception. The smell is often a deterrent to deer and rabbit, and this makes them ideal as border flowers.
The root system is known to produce toxins that both inhibit bacterial growth (hence bad for peas, beans) and ward off nematodes.
These are known as being powerhouse pollinator attractors. They attract a continual flow of bees and butterflies, hummingbirds and the like. They attract ALOT of ladybugs that feast on the harmful insects.
Companion Plants (Popular Do's & Don'ts):
Do's: Tomato, Potato, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cucumber, Squash, Basil
Don'ts: Peas, Beans
