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Calendula officinalis

Image of Calendula officinalis

Maureen Gilmer

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Calendula officinalis

Plant Common Name

Pot Marigold

General Description

Cheerfully bright when in flower, pot marigold is a bushy annual that originates from Europe and the Mediterranean region. It is very easy-to-grow but it best in climates where summers are temperate and cool, though plants can be surprisingly drought tolerant once established. Often it is only grown as a cool season bedding plant.

During the growing season, it bears single, double or semi-double daisies that come in shades of cream, bronze, yellow and orange. These appear amid many soft medium green leaves and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The petals of pot marigold flowers are edible and add a spicy flavor to salads.

This annual is long-blooming and highly rewarding. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Regular deadheading will encourage continuous flowering as will regular food and water. Enjoy pot marigolds in mixed borders, containers, herb gardens or vegetable gardens. It can be grown in subtropical regions in the cool dry season when days are warm and sunny but nights cool and comfortable.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    6 - 1

  • Sunset Zone

    A2, A3, H1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Annual

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    12"-30" / 30.5cm - 76.2cm

  • Width

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Europe, Mediterranean

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Orange, Bronze, Ivory

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Double, Semi-Double

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes