Calendula

( kah - LEN - dew - luh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of annual and perennial flowering herbaceous plants provides pops of color and beautiful foliage to any sunny garden space. They are commonly called Marigolds (a name also given to the genus Tagetes) or Poor Man's Saffron, referring to their use as a culinary herb and colorant. They typically bloom in spring and summer. Grow these Marigolds in mixed beds and borders, along pathways, or in sunny areas of the garden. They grow well in pots, as well. These flowers add color to many different landscape styles, including cottage, informal, pollinator, and cut flower gardens.

Calendula Species and Varietals

The genus Calendula includes between 15 and 20 species and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The genus name is a reference to the Latin word 'calandae', which can mean 'little clock', 'little calendar', or 'little weather glass'. These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 2-11 or Sunset growing zones A2, A3, 1-24 and H1. Growing zones vary somewhat depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Calendula arvensis (Field Marigold, Wild Marigold)
This species is native to central and southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and reaches between 4 and 20 inches tall at maturity. Single daisy-form yellow-orange flowers bloom atop stems. Foliage is green and stems are hairy. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Calendula maritima (Sea Marigold, Trailing Calendula)
This species is critically endangered, and is native to a small area in the western part of Sicily. It reaches between 8 and 16 inches at maturity, and produces pale to bright yellow flowers from May to June. These plants are commonly cultivated as ornamentals, used as groundcovers or potted plants. Varieties include 'Skyfire' (with yellow flowers), 'Summerlovers Skyfire Yellow' (also with yellow flowers). Best in USDA zones 2-11.

Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold, Common Marigold, Ruddles, Mary's Gold, Scotch Marigold, Holligold, Mary Bud)
This annual flowering plant needs full sun, moderate water and will attract butterflies to your garden. These flowers are classics for the cooler seasons, and bloom from late fall through spring, and are the most commonly cultivated flowers in the genus. Blooms come in apricot, cream, and soft yellow. They have a somewhat branching habit, and leaves are aromatic, green and somewhat sticky. Great for planter borders parking strips and containers. Best in USDA growing zones 2-11.

'Bon Bon'
12-15 inches tall early bloomer. Flowers come in a mix of apricot, yellow, and orange.

'Citrus Cocktail'
Orange and yellow flowers on dwarf, compact plants.

'Fiesta' ('Fiesta Gitana')
To 12-15 inches tall.

'Flashback'
1.5 to 2 feet tall, with flowers that come in yellow, apricot, orange, or peach with red or maroon on the undersides.

'Greenheart Orange'
Orange flower petals and a yellow-green center.

'Indian Prince'
2-3 inch wide flowers on plants that reach 14-24 inches tall. Flowers are dark orange-yellow.

'Ivory Princess'
2-3 inch wide semi double to double creamy yellow flowers.

'Kablouna'
This species of Calendula has flowers with bon-bon centers and looser edges. Grows to 1.5-2 feet tall.

'Neon'
Double flowers in bright colors; plants reach up to 18 inches tall.

'Orange Porcupine'
With double 2-3 inch wide bright orange flowers on 24 inch tall plants.

'Pacific Beauty'
Gets to 1.5 to 2 feet tall with blooms in yellow, orange and apricot.

'Pink Surprise'
To 20-24 inches tall, with orange-apricot flowers tinged with pink hues.

'Radio'
This species gets to 1.5-2 feet tall and has quilled, cactus-type blooms.

'Sherbet Fizz'
With buff-colored blooms tipped with reddish-pink. Petals are dark red on their undersides.

'Touch of Red'
With orange and cream flowers that have reddish overtones. Plants to 14 inches tall.

Calendula palaestina (Palestine Marigold)
This annual species is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Iran, and produces an erect shrub with hairy, rough-textured leaves. Flowers are daisy-form and yellow. Individual plants reach up to between 8 and 16 inches tall when mature and in bloom. This species is a perennial plant in USDA zones 9-11 and is grown as an annual in zones 2-11. Hardy down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Calendula stellata (Sicilian Marigold, Star Marigold)
This species of annual flowering plants is native to northwestern Africa, Malta, and Sicily. Flowers bloom between January and April in the plant's native range, and blooms are yellow. These plants are wonderful ornamental additions to many gardens, and are great for Mediterranean climates. Plants in this species reach to 8-24 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 2-11.

Calendula suffruticosa (Woody Marigold, Sea Marigold, Shrubby Marigold, Suffejra)
This species has many subspecies, and is highly variable in habit and form throughout its native range in north Africa and southern Europe. Flowers are typically orange or yellow, and plants on average reach about 16 inches tall at maturity. Woody Marigold grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b.

Caring for Calendula

Calendula plants are commonly grown from seed, but can also be purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. Seeds should be sown in place or indoors in late summer to early fall in mild-winter climates and in spring elsewhere. These flowers will self-sow, so ensure that this tendency will not interfere with the growth of other plants around them when choosing a space to plant. Space between 8 and 12 inches apart for best coverage and airflow. Plant these flowers in a spot in the landscape that receives full sun; between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun is perfect for the best blooms. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade is preferred. They grow well in soil that is well-draining with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0, though they can tolerate a wide range of soils. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Calendula flowers appreciate consistently moist soils, but are also considered drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot issues. Spent flowers should be deadheaded to prolong blooms, but otherwise these plants do not need much pruning to perform well. Young plants can be pinched back every so often as they grow to encourage a bushier habit to form. If plants become leggy or overgrown, they can be cut back to just 3 inches tall and they will produce a new flush of growth. Calendula plants can be annual or perennial. Annual plants are typically pulled and composted at the end of the growing season, replaced in the next year with new plants (or volunteer seedlings). Perennial species can survive for a few years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Harvesting Calendula
Flower petals from these plants are commonly used as a flavoring or colorant in culinary applications; they are sometimes referred to as 'Poor Man's Saffron'. The flowers are edible, and have a peppery, bitter, or tangy flavor to them. Harvest flowers in the morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day has set in. Freshly opened flowers are best for culinary applications. Using clean, sharp shears, remove flowering stems at their base. Gather cut flowers and bring them indoors to rinse and use. Petals can be added to salads, soups, stews, baked goods, teas, or used as garnish. Calendulas can also make great fresh cut flowers for arrangements, and are commonly grown in cut flower gardens. They are typically in bloom from spring through fall. To harvest flowers, simply cut them at the desired stem length at an angle using sharp, clean shears. The best time to harvest these flowers is in the late morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Choose flowers that are between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way open. Drop cut stems in a bucket of cool water. When arranging, make sure to remove all leaves that will sit below the water line. Calendula blooms have a vase life of between 6 and 8 days.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

The best way to propagate these flowering plants is by harvesting and sowing seed. Calendula is known for reseeding freely in the garden, and volunteer plants can easily be dug up and placed elsewhere if necessary. To intentionally propagate Calendula flowers using seeds, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Calendula by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on Calendula plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to release seeds. Once seeds have all been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

A Calendula seed head.

Calendula seeds are curved and can look a bit like dried-up worms or caterpillars.

Problems and Pests

Calendula flowers have no serious insect or disease problems, though they can have issues from time to time with the following if conditions are not ideal: