Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

🌼 Calendula (Calendula officinalis) — Cultivation Guide

☀️ Light

• Full sun to part shade.

• Prefers cooler weather—blooms best in spring and fall.

🌱 Soil

• Likes well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

• Not fussy, but better soil = fuller plants.

🌾 Life Cycle

• Usually grown as an annual.

• Self-seeds gently if you let it.

🌾 Planting

From seed (super easy):

• Direct sow in early spring or fall.

• Cover seeds lightly.

• Germination: 5–10 days.

• Thin to 8–12 inches apart.

Succession sowing:

• Sow every few weeks for continuous blooms.

💧 Water

• Moderate watering.

• More tolerant of cool damp conditions than heat.

• Mulch helps in summer.

✂️ Maintenance

• Deadhead regularly to keep blooms coming.

• Pinch young plants for bushiness.

• Cut back in heat—often rebounds in fall.

🌼 Bloom Time

• Spring through early summer, often again in fall.

• Colors: golden yellow to deep orange.

🐝 Wildlife Bonus

• Loved by bees and beneficial insects.

• Great companion plant in veggie gardens.

🌿 Edible & Medicinal Bonus

• Petals are edible (salads, teas, butter).

• Traditionally used in salves and skin care.

🌿 Pro Tips (nursery grower edition)

• Cooler temps = better flowers.

• Harvest flowers often to extend bloom.

• Looks gorgeous mixed with cosmos, poppies, and herbs.