Calendula officinalis
Botanical Name
Calendula officinalis
Hardiness
Annual
Height
12 to 18 inches
Width
12 to 18 inches
Flowers
Spring to fall: orange, yellow, white; edible
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Well-drained
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost or sow directly outdoors just before last frost date, deadhead to promote continual bloom, sow seeds again later in the season for fall flowers
Problems
Fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, stem and root rots, aster yellows, cabbage looper, aphids
Varieties to Consider
'Pacific Beauty' Series - heat tolerant, yellows and oranges, 15"
'Prince' Series - cut flowers, yellows, oranges, heat resistant
'Radio Extra Selected' - cactus-like blooms, orange, 18-24"
'Touch of Red' - yellow and orange flowers tipped with red
'Prince' Series - cut flowers, yellows, oranges, heat resistant
'Radio Extra Selected' - cactus-like blooms, orange, 18-24"
'Touch of Red' - yellow and orange flowers tipped with red
Did you know?
After drying, the flower heads have been used to flavor soups, stews, and salads as well as being used as a coloring for butter.