Edible golden and orange daisies that flower through the cool months and self-seed cheerfully. The petals brighten salads and have a long herbal tradition.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Calendula
Botanically, Calendula officinalis is an fast-growing annual in the Asteraceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with aromatic foliage. Orange and yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Calendula
Calendula suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Calendula provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Calendula is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Calendula after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Calendula in the garden
Calendula earns its place for edible harvests, cut flowers for the vase, feeding bees and pollinators and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Calendula with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Calendula
Plant Sale lists Calendula as seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Calendula seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.