Crackerjack Mix Marigold Seeds

Marigolds have wide cultural importance around the world from Nepal to Mexico. In Latino culture, the marigold is the flower of the dead and is often used to make garlands and other traditional decorations for Dia de Los Muertos.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Marigolds add bright splashes of color to the garden. They are a warm season flower that grows best from early spring until late fall in Zones 9 and 10.

Zones 2-8

• Grown as an annual. Start seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.

Planting Marigold Seeds

• Marigold seeds can be direct sown or transplanted out into the garden. Transplanting is recommended. Space plants 8-18″ (20.3-45.7cm) apart depending on the variety.
• If you are planting seeds in starter pots, plant seeds into thoroughly moist high-quality seed starting soil. Place seeds on top of the soil and cover with 1/4″(.6cm) of finely sifted soil.
• To direct sow, plant seeds in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Cover with 1/4″ (.6cm) of finely sifted soil.

Growing Marigolds

• This old fashioned annual flower is easy to grow and has a wide range of uses. Marigolds attract tons of beneficial insects while also deterring garden pests with their strong fragrance. There are many different varieties to choose from for your cut-flower garden, pollinator garden, vegetable garden, and more!
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
• Read our article on marigolds and their care for more tips!

Growing Marigolds in Containers

• Marigolds look beautiful and grow well in containers. Make sure your container is at least 10″ (25.4cm) deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.

Harvesting Marigold Flowers

• Cheerful marigold blooms spread joy in the garden. Longer stemmed varieties make for great cut flowers. Harvest flowers early in the morning and place directly in a vase of room temperature water for the longest-lasting blooms. Flowers should be fully open with tight centers at the time of harvest.
• Marigolds have wide cultural importance around the world from Nepal to Mexico. In Latino culture, the marigold is the flower of the dead and is often used to make garlands and other traditional decorations for Dia de Los Muertos.

Southern California Pro Tips

• In Zones 9 and 10, marigolds will grow happily from early spring until late fall.
• DO NOT overhead water as this promotes disease.
• Side dress with an organic granular fertilizer to ensure ample blooms.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Plant marigolds near the base of tomatoes and other fruiting plants for protection against aphids.
• Marigolds are a great addition to your pollinator garden.
• A classic pairing is marigolds as tomato companion plants or pepper companion plants, but they work with many other types of plant too!

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please read our article, Starting Seeds Indoors, to learn the basics!