Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
40-50 (Spring/Summer)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Hardy

Calendulas can tolerate light frost and will sometimes survive a hard frost or snow.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cool, Warm

Calendulas tolerate a wide variety of climates but will do best in full sun, well-draining rich soil, and cool temperatures. The plants will often stop blooming in hot weather. 

Outdoor Growing Temp
55°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

Calendula seeds can be planted as soon as the soil warms up to around 60˚ F.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Part shade (Cool, Warm)

Calendula can tolerate some shade but prefers full sun.

Water
Moderate

Calendula plants require regular watering but never water so much that the soil becomes soggy. 

Feeder
Light

Calendula prefers a rich soil but will tolerate poor soils of many types.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Partial shade
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Sometimes known as “pot marigold,” calendula is easily grown in pots on the doorstep or in window boxes.

Attracts beneficial insects?
Yes
Color
-
Fruit Size
2.0 - 4.0"
Plant Height
18.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter
12.0 - 18.0"
Hardiness Zone
2-11
Disease Resistance
-
Taste Profile

Dried Calendula can be used as a Saffron substitute. It is tangy and slightly bitter. It's mostly used for its bright colors because it doesn't have a lot of flavor.

Rotation Group
Flowers