Plant Type

Annual, Herb

 

Height Range

Under 1', 1-3'

 

Flower Color

Gold, Orange, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border

 

Special Uses

Container

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Regardless of which name is used, calendula is a wonderful addition to an herb or vegetable garden. Flowers are densely petaled in warm tones, typically soft yellow to bold orange, depending on the variety. Leaves are deep green and smooth to gently lobed. Flower petals are edible, and add a bright spot to salads, or when cooked with rice, impart a golden tint and earthy scent. Flowers mid spring to early summer, and sometimes again in the fall.

Grow in sandy-loam soil in full sun, ideally with some mid-day shade. Though it tolerates full sun in coastal areas, in our dry, inland gardens a bit a reprieve from the sun will prolong the bloom. It's ideal season is mid spring to early summer, though if cut back after blooming, it may reflower as the weather cools. If left to go to seed, you may be rewarded with volunteers the following season. Attractive to butterflies.