How To Grow Calendula (Pot Marigold)

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Are you looking for a beautiful and versatile addition to your garden? Learning how to grow Calendula might be just what you need! These stunning flowers are not only easy to grow but also come with a range of benefits for your garden and home.

Over the years, I’ve found that Calendula (Calendula officinalis) also called pot marigold is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant, perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Not only do these vibrant flowers add a pop of color to any garden, but they also have numerous culinary and medicinal uses. Plus, their large seeds make them an excellent choice for involving the whole family in the planting process.

Calendula has been a staple in our gardens for years. These hardy annual plants have survived and thrived in various conditions, even during droughts and less-than-ideal growing seasons when other flowers struggled. This annual flower is a great addition to your herb garden, cottage gardens, or vegetable garden borders.

If you’re looking for cut flowers that are low-maintenance and forgiving plants, Calendula is a fantastic option.

All About Calendula Plants

Calendula plants are annuals, which means they complete their lifecycle in just one growing season.

They typically grow between 1 to 2 feet tall, with a spread of about 1 foot. The foliage is medium green, slightly fuzzy, and has a unique scent that some people enjoy.

Now let’s talk about the real stars of the show: the beautiful Calendula flowers!

Their bright yellow and orange colors, combined with their daisy-like appearance, create a stunning display in any cottage garden. They’re also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Calendula flowers usually have a single layer of petals surrounding a darker center. However, there are also double-flowered varieties with more petals for a fuller look.

The petals can be smooth or slightly ruffled, depending on the variety.

Calendula flowers can be solid colors but many have a pretty gradient. Often starting with a light yellow or orange in the center transitioning to a deep orange color at the tips.

In some varieties, the gradient goes the other way, dark in the center and lighter on the edge of the settles. While some Calendula flowers are white with brightly colored tips.

One of the lesser-known but equally delightful aspects of Calendula is its status as an edible flower. Calendula petals have a slightly tangy, peppery taste that adds a unique flavor to various dishes.

Flowering Time and Maintenance

Calendula typically starts blooming in late spring or early summer and continues to produce flowers until the first frost.

To encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period, make sure to deadhead spent flowers regularly. This keeps the plant looking tidy but also prevents it from setting seeds too early.

Involving your whole family in the process of growing Calendula can be a fun and educational experience.

The large seeds make it easy for kids to handle and sow them in the garden. Plus, it’s always exciting to watch the plants grow and bloom, knowing that you’ve played a part in nurturing them!

Calendula Care

One of the things I love about Calendula is its adaptability. These plants prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. They aren’t too picky about soil quality, either, and can grow in poor soils as long as there is good drainage.

Just make sure to avoid any spots where water tends to pool or the soil stays wet for extended periods, as this can lead to root rot.

Adding some organic matter, like compost or aged manure, can also help improve soil fertility and give your Calendula plants a boost.

Calendula is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can adapt to various growing conditions. However, providing optimal conditions will ensure the healthiest growth and most abundant blooms.

Light

Calendula plants thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

While they can tolerate partial shade, their growth and flowering may be reduced in shadier conditions. When choosing a location for your Calendula plants, select a spot that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.

Soil

Calendula prefers well-drained soil. But they can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, but good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other issues related to overly wet soil.

To improve soil fertility, incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure into the planting area.

Water

Calendula plants require consistent moisture, especially during the early stages of growth and while they are actively blooming.

Water your plants deeply and evenly, but make sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other mold and fungus problems.

Temperature

Calendula is a cool-season flower that can withstand light frosts, making it an excellent choice for early spring and late fall gardens.

It will continue to bloom through the late summer in cooler climates, but in hotter areas, it may struggle with high temperatures and humidity.

If that describes your growing zone, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from heat stress.

Fertilizer

Calendula plants generally do not require heavy fertilization, as too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

You can apply liquid organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to provide a steady supply of nutrients.

If you prefer to fertilize just once a year try a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting can give the plants an initial boost.

Mulching

Applying a layer of organic mulch 2-3 inches deep around your Calendula plants is a great way to suppress weeds, and conserve moisture.

Some suitable mulching materials include straw, wood chips, grass clippings, or shredded leaves.

Flower Care

Once your flower garden is established and growing well it just needs a little care to keep your flowers blooming. When the flowers start to fade make sure you cut them off. If you leave the flowers on the plant they will form seed heads and the plant will no longer bloom.

This is wonderful to do in the late fall, as the seeds will simply drop on the soil in your garden and you will have many volunteer plants next spring. But in the spring through the mid-summer make sure to remove the spent blooms to encourage your flowers to keep growing.

Starting From Seeds

Sowing Calendula seeds is a simple process, making it a great activity to involve the whole family.

With their large size, the seeds are easy for kids to handle, and it’s a fantastic way to teach them about the joys of gardening.

When to Sow

You can start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, which will give you a head start on the growing season.

Or plant the seeds directly in your garden as soon as the soil is workable. Often I’ve sown their seeds in the fall and they start to grow in the following spring as soon as the ground warms up.

Direct Sowing

Pot Marigolds are very easy to direct sow in your garden. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Although Calendula can tolerate partial shade and poor soils, they will grow and bloom better in optimal conditions.

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil down about 1 to 2 inches.

Remove any weeds or debris, and add a layer of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil fertility.

Scatter the seeds evenly across the prepared soil. Since Calendula seeds are large, you can let the kids help with this step. Make sure the seeds are spaced about 6-12 inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow.

Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Gently pat the soil down.

Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7-14 days. If you notice that some seedlings are too close together you can thin seedlings to be at least 6 inches apart. Another easy option is to carefully dig them up and transplant them elsewhere in your garden or into containers.

Transplanting Seedlings

If you started your Calendula seeds indoors, follow these steps to transplant the seedlings into your garden:

Wait until your seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and you are 2 to 3 weeks away from your last frost date or past it.

Harden off the young plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or so. This helps them acclimate to the temperature fluctuations and sunlight levels in your garden.

Choose a suitable area in your garden, following the same recommendations as for direct sowing.

Dig small holes in the soil, spaced 6-12 inches apart. Carefully remove the seedlings from their containers and transplant them into the holes.

Press the soil down gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure good root contact with the soil.

Water the transplanted seedlings well and keep the soil consistently moist until they become established in their new home.

With a little care and attention, your Calendula seeds will soon grow into beautiful, blooming plants that add color and charm to your garden.

FAQ

What is the difference between Calendula and the common marigold (Tagetes)?

While both Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and common marigold (Tagetes species) are often referred to as marigolds, they are different plants belonging to separate genera within the Asteraceae family.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold or English marigold, features bright yellow and orange, daisy-like flowers and has a long history of use for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. The petals are edible and have a slightly peppery taste, making them a popular addition to salads, soups, and other dishes.

On the other hand, common marigolds, which include French marigolds (Tagetes patula) and African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), have a wider range of colors, including shades of red, orange, and yellow.

These plants are primarily grown for their ornamental value and are known for their strong, distinctive scent, which can help deter pests in the garden. It’s worth noting that common marigold flowers are not typically considered edible.

Can I grow Calendula in containers?

Yes, Calendula plants can be successfully grown in containers, making them a versatile option for gardeners with limited space or those looking to add some color to their patios, balconies, or window sills.

How can I encourage more blooms on my Calendula plants?

To keep your flowers blooming remember to deadhead the blooms this means to remove the flower heads after they start fading.

Remember to keep watering consistently, and fertilize to encourage growth. This will help keep your garden filled with bright orange flowers through the summer.

Are Calendula plants deer-resistant?

While no plant is completely deer-proof, Calendula is considered to be relatively deer-resistant. This is likely due to its strong scent, which can deter deer and other browsing animals from feeding on the plants

However, deer resistance can vary depending on the availability of other food sources and the specific preferences of the local deer population.

Growing Calendula, or Pot Marigold, in your garden is such a delightful experience. These vibrant, charming flowers bring life and color to your garden and come with a whole host of benefits, like attracting pollinators and offering edible and medicinal uses.

Plus, they’re low-maintenance and tough, making them perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.

So, give it a try! Just follow the tips and advice shared, from sowing seeds and caring for your plants to harvesting those gorgeous blooms.

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