Common Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a classic garden annual known for its brilliant orange and yellow daisy-like blooms. Long-flowering and easy to grow, Calendula brightens borders, containers, cutting gardens, and wildflower plantings. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the growing season, making it both beautiful and ecologically valuable.
This hardy annual thrives in cool weather, reblooms when deadheaded, and performs well in both garden beds and pots.
Features
- Cheerful orange and yellow blooms with long flowering period.
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Easy-to-grow annual suitable for borders, beds, and containers.
- Thrives in cool temperatures and blooms over a long season.
- Non-GMO Calendula officinalis seed variety.
- Great for pollinator gardens and cutting gardens.
Specifications
- Common Name: Common Calendula, Pot Marigold
- Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
- Plant Type: Annual flowering herb
- USDA Zones: 3–11 (grown as annual)
- Bloom Colors: Yellow to orange
- Bloom Season: Spring through fall (cool weather best)
- Height: 12–24 inches
- Spread: 10–18 inches
- Growth Habit: Bushy, flowering clumps
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, average garden soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees & butterflies)
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Plant Spacing: 10–12 inches
- Seed Viability: 4–6 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
- Direct sow outdoors in early spring or fall, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Keep soil evenly moist until germination (7–14 days).
- Provide full sun for best flowering; tolerates partial sun.
- Water moderately; avoid overly wet soil.
- Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming through the season.
- Leave some seedheads if natural reseeding is desired.
- Performs exceptionally well in cool-weather climates.
