French Marigold SPARKY MIX 12-14” Red Orange Yellow FIERY Good for Beneficial insects 300 SeedsThis Marigold mixture adds fiery color to the summer garden with bold reds, oranges and yellows. Growing to be only 12-14” tall, this mixture is great for the border of meadows, a small space garden or containers. Marigold Sparky Mix is so easy to grow that it is the perfect choice for a child’s first garden. Also, try planting Marigolds in your veggie garden to help attract beneficial insects. All of the seed we handle at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual. Genus: Tagetes patulaInterestingly enough, marigolds also do their fair share of repelling several types of insects. According to the New York Botanical Garden, marigolds can help keep away mosquitoes, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, tomato hornworms and nematodesAdvantagesZones 1 – 10Easy To GrowDeer ResistantRabbit ResistantPest / Disease ResistantLow MaintenanceFragrant Flower / FoliageGood For ContainersExtended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks)Great For Mass PlantingsLight RequirementsFull SunMature Plant Size 12-14″ tallBloom Time Summer to fall Plant InformationThis short mixture of marigolds is named “Sparky” since when it’s in bloom, your garden seems to sparkle. Another world favorite annual, great for kids’ first gardens.Common Name French MarigoldBotanical Name Tagetes patulaSeed Life Cycle AnnualLight Requirements Full SunFlower Color Red, Orange, YellowBloom Time Summer to fallMature Height 12-14″ tallWildflower Mix or Species SpeciesShips As SeedIdeal Region Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific NorthwestZones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Non-GMO YesNative To Mexico and Central AmericaSoil Type Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Drought/Dry SoilSoil Moisture Dry, Average, Well DrainingAdvantages Easy To Grow, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Pest / Disease Resistant, Low Maintenance, Fragrant Flower / Foliage, Good For Containers, Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks), Great For Mass Plantings Planting MarigoldsWhen to plant:Taller African varieties (Tagetes erecta) should be planted in early spring after all danger of frost has passed. Starting these taller varieties early in the season will allow them more time to grow and mature. French and Signet types (T. patula and T. tenuifolia) can be planted any time from spring through mid-summer.Where to plant:Most marigolds prefer to be located in an area with full sun but will tolerate some shade. During times of extreme heat, some afternoon shade is beneficial. T. erecta varieties should be planted in an area protected from strong winds and damaging rainfall. These taller varieties may also require some light staking for support.How to plant:Marigolds germinate quickly, sprouting within a few days and blooming in about 8 weeks, making them easy to grow from seed. Sow seeds directly outside after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and water thoroughly after planting. After the seeds sprout, they should be thinned to the following guidelines: French or Signet varieties 8 to 10 inches apart, and African varieties 10 to 12 inches apart. Use landscape scissors or small garden shears to cut the seedlings out, as pulling them out can disturb the roots of the seedlings left behind. Seeds can be started earlier indoors, but with their fast germination time, this really isn’t necessary. Seedlings can be transplanted when 2 inches tall.When transplanting marigolds purchased at a nursery, dig and loosen the soil about 6 inches down, with the final planting hole just slightly larger than the rootball. Backfill with soil and press firmly into place. Water thoroughly. Adding a 1 to 2-inch layer of mulch between the plants will help keep the soil moist and discourage weeds.Marigold CarePruning:Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant and encourage further blooming later in the season. Pinching young plants will help promote bushier growth. Pinch and remove new growth at the top of the plant as close as possible to the next leaf nodes on the stem.Soil:Marigolds aren’t too picky about their soil, but will be their best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. If planted in clay soil or an area that doesn’t drain well, they may not perform as expected.Amendments & Fertilizer:When transplanting, a 5-10-5 fertilizer can be added, but is completely optional. Marigolds grown in-ground generally don’t require any fertilizer. In fact, if fertilizer is applied during the growing phase, it can boost foliage growth at the expense of flower production. Marigolds in containers can benefit from a diluted liquid fertilizer watered in occasionally.Watering:It is best to water marigolds at the base of the plant and not from overhead. The densely double flowerheads will tend to rot with excess moisture. Allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings, but do water regularly in high heat or dry weather. Marigolds growing in containers should be watered daily as containers dry out quickly.Design TipsMarigolds are an excellent choice for live bouquets. For best results, cut fresh blooms early in the morning and place immediately in water. To help keep the vase water fresh, remove the lower stems and leaves that will be submerged. Expect cut marigolds to last approximately a week, possibly longer if you use a cut flower preservative.To dry cut marigolds, cut blossoms at their peak and remove stems and leaves. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry place until they are dry.Grow marigolds in containers on patios, porches, or near seating areas to help deter mosquitoes. For more on how to keep mosquitoes away naturally, see 12 Mosquito Repellent Plants.Marigolds are suitable for borders near sidewalks and driveways due to their high heat tolerance, although be sure to water them regularly.Use marigolds in borders and beds for a bright pop of color all summer long.MARIGOLDS IN THE VEGETABLE GARDENGrowing marigolds in or next to your vegetable garden can prove to be quite beneficial in many ways. Attract bees and other pollinators, as well as beneficial insects like ladybugs. Repel unwanted visitors such as whiteflies, cabbageworms and tomato hornworms. French marigolds are said to be the best choice for this.Protect your garden from harmful nematodes that live in the soil. Again, French marigolds can be the best choice.Guard your veggies by keeping rabbits and deer from nibbling in your garden, since they tend to not like the scent.Note that your marigolds’ water needs may be different than those of the vegetables they are planted with so water them separately if needed.SEED STORING Store your seeds in a cool, dry and dark location. Most seeds have a long shelf life, but heat and moisture will cut that life short. Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning and preparing. WE SHIP FAST &FREE! Your orders ship the next business date after payment via US mail. NO TRACKING. You can add TRACKING for $3.50 additional (see shipping charges). ORDER $10+ in the same day and we will ship in a Padded Envelope with a 50+ Seed Wildflower Gift Pack (500mg)ORDER $25+ in the same day and we will ship in a First Class Package with TRACKING and two 50+ Seed Wildflower Gift Packs (500mg each) CUSTOMER SERVICEWe will leave feedback for you within 48 hours of payment!Leaving Feedback for your seller. eBay guidelines: When you receive your seeds please leave a positive for us. If you have any problem at all no need to leave neutral or negative – message me and we will fix it! What should I consider before rating a seller’s performance? In general, here’s what you should be thinking about when leaving Feedback for a seller: Did you get what you were expecting, based on the item description? Was the item packaged appropriately (to prevent damage during shipping)? Did the seller ship the item within the timeframe indicated in the listing? (Remember that USPS isexperiencing delays due to Covid.) Were the shipping and handling costs reasonable? They are FREE! If you communicated with the seller, were your questions or concerns addressed? Did the seller respondwithin a reasonable amount of time? Before you consider leaving a negative give the seller a chance to fix the problem. Negative Feedback directly impacts their business. If you don’t get your item within 10 working days message me directly. You do not need todo an Ebay claim – just message. Give me 48 hours to answer please and I will refund or reship. Please read the planting instructions! Some seeds require cold stratification. Some Perennials probably will not bloom until the 2nd year. Your success and happiness is our success and happiness!30 Day Return Policy If you need to return your item, we have a 30 day return policy. Please return it in the same condition it was received.