How to Grow Calendula: Complete Guide

For centuries, gardeners have cherished calendula (pot marigold) for its healing properties and culinary use. Knowing how to grow calendula will bring this historical treasure into your modern garden. The delightful blooms will not only brighten areas but also serve practical needs.

You will love calendula's versatility, as it serves both as a flowering beauty and a working plant. You can add its petals to salads for color and a mild flavor. Many also use the flowers to make salves for skin care. One can also find this plant in a flower bed or herb throughout the garden.

Calendula is forgiving for a new gardener. They sprout easily and require very little maintenance once established, and can deal with dry spells. This guide will take you from planting to harvesting these versatile blooms successfully.

There is an amazing visual variation available with the different varieties of Calendula in the garden. 'Pacific Beauty' features double flowers with sunset orange petals surrounding a dark center. 'Lemon Zest' features bright yellow flowers that brighten up dark corners. Each type has its own unique coloration and texture.

Be mindful of container growth when choosing varieties. 'Dwarf Gem' remains compact at 10 inches tall, which is perfect for patio pots. 'Pink Surprise' is a great choice for window boxes with its gentle apricot blooms. These smaller types do well in confined areas without overcrowding.

The duration of flowering varies significantly among cultivars.'Indian Prince' has consecutive flowering in spring and then tolerates frost.'Solar Flashback' can withstand summer heat more than other cultivars. Plant according to your climate and the ideal time for flowering.

Some types of calendula enhance garden health through companion planting. 'Resina' emits a strong scent that repels pests when grown near tomatoes. 'Fiesta Gitana' attracts beneficial insects to pollinate nearby squash plants. Placement in the garden can enhance overall productivity and provide health benefits.

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Touch of Red

• Fact: Features double flowers with distinctive mahogany-red petal tips creating striking visual contrast against vibrant orange centers.
• This heat-tolerant variety maintains excellent performance during intense summer temperatures exceeding 85°F (29°C) without wilting.
• Matures to approximately 14 inches tall, making it versatile for both border plantings and container gardening applications.
• Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings that naturally control aphid populations in vegetable gardens.
• Produces abundant blooms continuously from late spring through fall when deadheaded regularly every five days.
• Petals retain vibrant color intensity when dried, ideal for creating natural fabric dyes and botanical crafts.

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Pacific Beauty

• Fact: Known for large, fully double-petaled blooms displaying sunset hues ranging from pale cream to deep orange.
• Tall stems reaching 18 inches make this variety excellent for cut flower arrangements lasting seven days.
• Exhibits notable resistance to powdery mildew when plants receive adequate spacing and air circulation.
• Continuous flowering occurs from early summer until first frost with consistent moisture and monthly feeding.
• Petals offer a mild peppery flavor suitable for edible decorations on cakes, salads, and soups.
• Self-seeds reliably in USDA zones 7-10, often returning without replanting the following gardening season.

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Citrus Cocktail

• Fact: Compact growth habit under 10 inches tall makes it perfect for patio containers and window boxes.
• Displays cheerful bicolor blooms mixing lemon-yellow and tangerine-orange shades on the same plant.
• Requires minimal spacing of just 6-8 inches between plants for efficient small-space gardening.
• Maintains flowering during mild winter conditions in zones 8-11 when protected from hard frost.
• Petals contain high levels of beneficial flavonoids used in skin-soothing herbal preparations.
• Early bloomer that produces flowers just six weeks after sowing seeds in spring soil.

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Greenheart Orange

• Fact: Unusual green central disc surrounded by bright orange petals creates dramatic visual contrast.
• Flowers remain open longer than most varieties, often staying fully expanded from dawn until dusk.
• Thrives in partial shade conditions where other calendula varieties might produce fewer blooms.
• Medium height of 12-15 inches works well in mid-border planting schemes and cottage gardens.
• High resin content in petals makes it particularly valuable for medicinal oil infusions.
• Continuous flowering occurs from late spring through fall when grown in fertile, well-draining soil.

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Indian Prince

• Fact: Dramatic dark burgundy centers create striking contrast against rich orange-red petals.
• Long stems reaching 24 inches tall make it excellent for commercial cut flower production.
• Shows increased tolerance to cooler temperatures down to 25°F (-4°C) once fully established.
• Petals maintain color intensity when dried, perfect for potpourri and pressed flower crafts.
• Attracts pollinators including butterflies and bees throughout its extended blooming season.
• Performs well in both garden beds and large containers with regular deep watering.

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Snow Princess

• Fact: Features unique pale ivory to soft butter-yellow blooms that illuminate shady garden corners.
• Compact plants under 12 inches tall work well in front borders and rock gardens.
• Maintains flower production during warm summer periods when other varieties might slow down.
• Delicate petals add elegant edible decoration to desserts without overwhelming flavors.
• Shows good resistance to common foliar diseases when provided proper air circulation.
• Ideal for moon gardens where light-colored flowers glow beautifully in evening twilight.

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Resina

• Fact: Exceptionally high resin content in petals makes it ideal for medicinal salves and tinctures.
• Produces vibrant orange flowers with darker centers that bloom prolifically all season long.
• Grows to 18-20 inches tall with sturdy stems that resist lodging in windy conditions.
• Petals contain elevated levels of anti-inflammatory compounds beneficial for skin treatments.
• Performs well in full sun locations with minimal water requirements once established.
• Flowers retain therapeutic properties exceptionally well when dried using proper techniques.

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Erfurter Orangefarbige

• Fact: Heirloom German variety known for intense orange blooms and exceptional cold tolerance.
• Produces semi-double flowers with quilled petals that resemble miniature cactus dahlias.
• Reaches 20-24 inches tall, making it suitable for back borders and cutting gardens.
• Maintains vibrant color in bouquets for up to ten days when harvested properly.
• Thrives in cooler climates where it continues blooming until hard frost occurs.
• Petals have traditional culinary use as saffron substitute in European cuisine.

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Prince

• Fact: Tall heat-tolerant variety producing vibrant orange and yellow blooms all summer.
• Grows to 24-30 inches with strong stems ideal for commercial flower production.
• Flowers feature distinctive dark centers that create appealing visual depth in arrangements.
• Performs exceptionally well in hot climates where other varieties might stop blooming.
• Attracts beneficial insects that help control whitefly populations in vegetable gardens.
• Petals maintain color integrity when dried for use in natural dye projects.

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Kabouana

• Fact: Features unique dark-centered blooms with contrasting bright orange ray petals.
• Compact plants grow 10-12 inches tall, suitable for edging and container gardening.
• Produces abundant flowers continuously from early summer until first frost.
• Shows excellent resistance to common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies.
• Petals have high concentrations of antioxidants beneficial for herbal preparations.
• Thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions with minimal care.

Sow calendula seeds once soil temperature has reached 60°F (15°C) for good germination. You can sow calendula seeds in cool climates (zones 2-6) once the frost season has passed, usually late spring. In warmer climates (zones 7-11), calendula seeds can be sown in the fall to try to achieve blooms before the first frost. But it's the temperature that counts the most in your success.

Microclimates greatly influence the timing of planting. Urban gardens can utilize heat-retaining buildings to facilitate earlier planting. Avoid frost pockets found in lower, flatter areas where cold air tends to collect. Coastal locations should have windbreaks to safeguard against the salt-laden winds. Pay careful attention to your site conditions before planting.

Traditional gardeners commonly follow moon phase cycles. For sowing root vegetables, use the waxing moon period. The first quarter period is for planting out seedlings. Many believe this aligns growth functions, although the scientific evidence is mixed. Follow these guidelines only if you agree with them.

Select a site with 6+ hours of direct sunlight every day and well-draining soil. Allow for at least 8-12 inches of distance for each plant to develop a healthy mat of foliage, ensuring adequate air circulation. In cool zone areas, south-facing slopes will warm first, while north-facing slopes will provide a cooler area for heat relief. This practice will help prevent disease and promote healthy flowering.

Properly prepare your soil for planting calendula. Test the pH, targeting the 6.0-7.0 range. If you need to adjust the pH, use lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it. Incorporate 1 inch (2.5 cm) of compost into the top 6 inches (15 cm) of soil. Avoid compacting the soil, as this can prevent root growth.

Sow seeds when the morning soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C). Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6-1.3 cm) deep, spacing them 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Cool zones should plant in spring, and warm regions can plant in fall for winter blooms.

Look for germination signs in 7-14 days. Seedlings will emerge with two small leaves first. Thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart when the second true leaves appear. Monitor for overwatering, as this can cause damping-off disease during this fragile period.

Transplanting seedlings should be done after hardening off over a period of 7 days. Take them outside when the nighttime temperature is consistently above 45°F (7°C). Make holes 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart and just dig them deep enough to keep the root ball intact. Water immediately after transplanting.

During the summer season, water calendula plants with 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) of water weekly. Something less will suffice during the cooler months (0.5 inches (1.3 cm)). Drip irrigation is preferable, as it helps target roots and keeps leaves dry. For potted plants, water when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry.

Every month, feed the plants with balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer (1/4 cup/60 ml per plant). When buds begin to form, switch to phosphorus-rich 5-10-5. If you want to use organic options, apply 1 inch (2.5 cm) compost to the surface each month. Container plants require half-strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

Inspecting the leaves frequently will reveal if there are any pests. Aphids appear as a green cluster on the underside of leaves. Powdery mildew appears as a white dust on the leaves. Spray affected plants with insecticidal soap or water immediately. If you don't treat the plants, they will have spoiled leaves, and there will be more infected plants.

Modify care for excessive weather. Use 30% shade cloth above 90°F (32°C). Use 4 inches (10 cm) of straw mulch below 28°F (-2°C). Raise pots during heavy rains. Place cobblestones or shrubs in exposed areas to reduce wind exposure.

Harvest calendula as soon as blooms are fully blooming and colorful, not curling. Flowers should be harvested in late morning, after the dew dries but before the hot midday sun. Stop harvesting four weeks before the first frost to allow the seed to develop. You may harvest every 2-3 days to encourage blooming.

Use the appropriate methods to dry flowers for optimal results. Air drying at room temperatures of 60-70°F (15-21°C) in dark, well-ventilated areas for 7 to 10 days is an option. Using dehydrators at 95°F (35°C) will take anywhere from 4-8 hours. Flowers are dry if their petals twist and crumble easily, and their stems snap cleanly with no bending.

Store calendula according to its intended use. Store culinary petals in non translucent containers below 70°F (21°C). Store medicinal flowers in dark jars along with silica gel. Store seeds in paper envelopes within sealed jars at a refrigerated temperature of 40°F (4°C) for planting later.

Expect 0.5-1 oz (14-28g) dried flowers from each mature plant every season. When planning your harvest, consider the peak bloom times & weather. Healthy plants produce continuously for about 5-8 months. For container plants, manage your expectations, as they tend to produce less than those in garden beds.

Calendula boasts amazing versatility in gardens throughout the year! Its bright yellow blooms add a cheery pop of color to the area and serve a range of purposes, from acting as a natural pest repellent to serving as a skin healer. A truly two-in-one plant, Calendula combines beauty and functionality with a hardy character.

Perhaps you recall that we began our journey down the path of beginner gardening. Calendula is perfectly suited for novice success. It's very forgiving; you're almost certainly going to get first-time success. Compared to seedlings, you have a good chance with seeds. Even if things go wrong, you'll likely see some colorfulness. It's simply easy. This level of ease and access opens the enjoyment of gardening to everyone.

Can you picture your garden overflowing with beautiful flowering calendula? Can you see yourself making homemade salves with apothecary petals? Can you imagine having companion plants nearby? It's all a rewarding experience, and it's only the beginning of your calendula journey. Each season will bring fresh discoveries with this special plant!

To start gardening, grow these golden blooms in a container or garden bed and see the benefits of calendula for yourself! Growing something beautiful and useful is gratifying and begins with planting these golden blooms. In return, calendula will reward you with golden benefits every season.