Pot Marigold (Calendula)
Calendula officinalis
A bushy annual or short-lived perennial known for its bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers and aromatic, slightly sticky green foliage.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Water
- Moderate. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drought tolerant once established, but blooms better with regular moisture.
- Growth
- Annual or short-lived perennial; mounding habit reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in height and width.
Care instructions
Low-maintenance. Provide full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly but do not allow to become waterlogged. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Watering
Moderate. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drought tolerant once established, but blooms better with regular moisture.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic).
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 2-11; grown as a cold-hardy annual in most regions.
Growth habit
Annual or short-lived perennial; mounding habit reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in height and width.
Bloom season
Late spring until the first hard frost; bears orange or yellow ray flowers with dark centers.
Propagation
Easily grown from seeds sown directly outdoors in spring or fall. It often self-seeds readily in the garden.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Aphids and whiteflies can occasionally be a problem.
Similar species
Common Marigold (Tagetes) - distinguished by Tagetes' much stronger, pungent scent and different leaf structure (finely divided vs. Calendula's simple leaves).