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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Calendula does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
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
Combine Calendula with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Calendula
Plant Sale lists Calendula as seed. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Calendula seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
