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Calendula officinalis
A sunny, cheerful flower that does double duty — it's edible, medicinal, and one of the best companion plants in any vegetable garden. Calendula blooms from early spring until the first heavy frost, attracts pollinators, and actively repels pests. Beginner-friendly and almost impossible to fail with.
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easy
Full Sun to Partial Shade (6+ hours; afternoon shade appreciated in hot climates)
Moderate — ~1 inch per week while establishing; once mature, water only occasionally; avoid soggy soil
45–65 days from seed to first bloom
Direct sow seeds just before your last frost in spring, or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep — keep covered, as light inhibits germination. Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches apart after emergence. Once plants have at least 4 sets of leaves, clip the growing tip to encourage more branching and flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep the plant producing all season. If plants get leggy or slow down in midsummer heat, cut them back by half — fresh growth and a new flush of flowers usually follow within 2–3 weeks.
Germination (5–15 days)
Seeds sprout in cool soil (60–65°F); keep covered and moist
Seedling (2–3 weeks)
First true leaves appear; thin to proper spacing
Vegetative (2–3 weeks)
Stems branch out; pinch growing tips for bushier plants
Budding (1–2 weeks)
Round, adorable buds form at stem tips before opening
Full Bloom (Ongoing)
Bright orange/yellow flowers open with the sun; harvest or deadhead to keep blooming until frost
Estimate how many seed packs of Calendula you need.
Community Interest
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