Calendula officianalis
Easy to grow from seeds, Pot Marigold’ is Calendula officianalis also known as the English or Scottish marigold.
Grown widely in cooler climates they were originally used for culinary purposes (they were thrown into the cooking pot).
Also used for herbal skin remedies and now for cosmetics.
In the garden they make a colorful addition to the border, however in Australia Calendula officianalis can suffer a little in the hot dry conditions.
Plants will reach a height of around 25cm. Flowers are golden with yellow centres. Excellent in the garden border, they also grow well in containers and hanging baskets.
How To Grow Calendula – Pot Marigold – Basic Care
Used as an annual, seeds can be planted in spring or in autumn. Pot Marigold grows well in a humus rich moist soil. In good conditions where the soil does not dry out C. officianalis will self seed, providing an ongoing supply of flowers.
Growing Pot Marigold from seed.
Seeds are readily available for sale and if fresh germinate easily.
- Direct Sowing: Calendula can be direct sown in the garden after the last frost date. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6 1/2 inches apart.
- Starting Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6 – 8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outside once the risk of frost has passed.
- Ensure the soil is free draining, and choose a sunny spot for best flowering. Calendula thrives in fertile, well aerated soil.
- Calendula seeds can be spread on top of a good quality potting mix or a prepared garden bed and covered lightly.
- If sown in trays try a fine propagating mix and cover lightly with vermiculite.
- Seeds need to be kept moist.
- Seedlings can be transplanted to the garden when they reach 5cm.
- We like to use a liquid seaweed fertilizer one a week until plants are established.
Where to plant and aftercare
- Best in a position where it is protected from hot afternoon sun, however this is a Marigold that requires good light to flower.
- Plants can be deadheaded to promote a second flush of flowers.
General Care:
- Calendula is low maintenance once established.
- Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells.
- Occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth, but avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Watering:
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Calendula is droughttolerant but thrives with consistent moisture.
- Water in the morning to prevent fungal diseases that can occur from wet foliage overnight.
Temperature / Humidity:
- Prefers moderate temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
- Tolerates humidity well but dislikes overly wet or humid conditions that can encourage fungal growth.
Climate Zones:
- USDA Zones 3-9.
- Suitable for temperate regions worldwide, including Australia, the USA, and the UK.
Soil/Potting Mix:
- In containers, use a light, welldraining potting mix enriched with organic matter.
- If planting in the ground, amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Fertiliser:
- Feed with a balanced, all purpose organic type fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Avoid heavy feeding, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.
Frost Tolerance:
- Moderate frost tolerance.
- It is a plant that will survive light frosts, but prolonged freezing temperatures can damage the plant.
- In cooler climates, it is best grown as an annual, or overwintered indoors in pots.
Drought Tolerance:
- Moderate drought tolerance.
- While it can handle periods of dry soil, consistent watering will improve flowering.
- Best to keep soil evenly moist during dry spells for optimal growth.
Benefits of Growing Calendula
- Attracts Wildlife:
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Known to be beneficial in the vegetable garden , as it attracts pollinators such as bees, hover flies and other beneficial insects that help with the fertilization of other plants.
Toxic to Dogs/Cats:
- Regarded as being Nontoxic to dogs and cats.
- Ingestion of large quantities of calendula might cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in pets.