African Marigold - Crackerjack Mixed This half hardy annual is a reliable variety, which is definite value for money. It is a taller mixture of oranges and yellows, reaching the height of 75cm, adding height and colour to borders, an ideal space filler. Sow indoors from February to April. A warm kitchen windowsill is all you need for starting these seeds. Sow, 0.5cm deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Transplant them, 5cm apart, to other trays when large enough to handle. Always hold by a leaf, never by the stem. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions, before planting out, May-June, 30cm apart, into well-drained soil, when frosts are over. Flowers from June to October.