Which Soil Will Cause Crackerjack Mixed Color Marigolds to Grow Tall?
- Marigolds are summertime annuals that grow only during frost-free weather. Give Crackerjack marigolds a warm mid-spring start to protect them and encourage large, healthy growth. Crackerjack marigold seeds germinate best in temperatures of 70 degrees F or higher.
- Crackerjack marigolds grow and bloom best in full sunshine, in soil that is deep and quick-draining. Amend your natural soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches with an equal amount of organic compost to nurture the plants. Marigolds thrive in compost foundations, which give good nutrition and moisture retention. They fail in tight, dry soil. Give Crackerjack marigolds at least 12 inches of space to avoid crowding and competition.
- Purdue University horticulturists Michael N. Dana and B. Rosie Lerner suggest incorporating granular fertilizer at planting to give your Crackerjack marigolds a quick start. Mix 5-10-5 fertilizer into the top 2 inches of soil, at a rate of 2 lbs. per 100 square feet. Fertilize the marigolds again in mid-summer to maintain nutritious, high-quality soil. Cultivate the soil throughout the season to keep it loose and airy, and to prevent weed growth.
- Karen Russ and Bob Polomski of the Clemson Cooperative Extension recommend watching marigolds closely for drying, particularly in the first two weeks after planting. Water the marigolds with 1 to 2 inches of water a week to keep them moist, and use organic mulch to maintain soil moisture. As the mulch breaks down, it adds more nutrition to the soil to continue supporting the flowers.