African Marigold Crackerjack Mix Seeds - Tagetes erecta

'Crackerjack Mix' is a classic selection that is still popular thanks to its exceptional vigour and brightly coloured double blooms. The large, bushy plants feature tightly packed pompoms from June to October, varying in colour from lemon yellow to vivid orange. Heat and weather resistant, floriferous, these superb annuals really bring summer bedding schemes to life. Grow in well-drained soil, in full sun to part shade.

Tagetes erecta, commonly known as African Marigold, is a tender herbaceous annual that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Mexico, Central America and the western regions of South America. It is not cold hardy and is generally treated as an annual in colder climates. 'Crackerjack' quickly forms an erect clump, about 90 cm tall for a spread of about 40 cm, covered with dark green, deeply divided, shiny leaves with an intense aroma. It flowers approximately 60 days after sowing. The flowering period lasts many weeks from June to October, providing spent flowers are removed regularly. This variety features fully double, pompom-like flowerheads that measure about 10 cm in diameter. They are composed of numerous very wavy, bright yellow ray flowers that range in colour from light yellow to vivid orange.

African marigolds are brightly coloured, cheerful annuals that are easy to grow, perfect for summer beds! They can be planted alongside perennials, annuals and even small shrubs; ornamental grasses will soften their flamboyant colours. Their abundant orange, yellow or red blooms mix well with blue-flowering catmints and perennial flax or poppies.

Good to know: The intensely scented leaves and the substances secreted by marigold roots repel various harmful insects, making marigolds an excellent companion plant in the vegetable garden.