Description
Calendula officinalis is native to Europe but still grows beautifully in North American gardens. With yellow and orange blossoms reaching up to 2 feet tall, it’s not only beautiful but also attracts bees and butterflies. It’s also known to attract cabbage moths and other pests, which makes it an excellent trap crop for vegetable gardens.
It is also often used in homemade and natural cosmetics and provides edible flowers for dressing up any salad. Calendula is also a welcome addition to any cut flower arrangement
Benefits of Calendula
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Cheerful bright colors
- Easy for beginning gardeners
- Long blooming period
- Low maintenance
- Lovely cut flowers
- Edible flowers
Tips for Growing Calendula
Start your seeds in cell trays no more than 4 weeks before your last frost date at a depth of ¼ – ½ inch. Water well and keep dark until seeds germinate. Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once seeds germinate, provide bright light for best results and to keep plants from becoming leggy. Once true leaves appear, begin hardening off for transplanting into the garden.
Seeds can also be direct sown into the garden once your last frost date has passed.
Plant out after hardening off at spacing of approximately 6 inches apart. They can also be used to interplant within your vegetable garden to attract pollinators. For use as a trap crop, place your calendula approximately 6 to 8 feet away from crops.
Plant in full sun or partial shade in good soil that offers plenty of organic matter. Calendula can be heat sensitive, so consider a partially shady spot if your climate is hot.
Water plants in well and keep soil moist until the plant is established. Afterwards, water regularly as needed or whenever weather conditions warrant. Fertilizer isn’t required if the soil is amended with compost when the flowers are planted.
Pinch back plants to encourage bushing and deadhead spent blooms regularly to increase flowering.
Calendula Details
Life span: Short-lived perennial in zones 7-11, annual in zones 2-6
Color scheme: yellow and orange blooms
Height: 12-24”
Time to Germination: 7-10 days
Time to maturity: 6-8 weeks
Terms of Sale
You will receive 500 mg of seed, approximately 50 seeds, shipped free from Florida via regular USPS First Class Mail to U.S. mailing addresses only.
Refund/Replace/Return Policy
Our policy is to replace or refund any missing or damaged packages, so please contact us directly if you have any problems with your order.
We want happy gardeners and strive to provide a stress-free seed purchase.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.