Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

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Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Datasheet

  1. Common Name: Calendula, Pot Marigold

  2. Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis

  3. Family: Asteraceae

  4. Origin: Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region

  5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–11 (perennial in zones 9–11; usually annual elsewhere)

  6. Light Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours/day); tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

  7. Water Needs: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist—1–2″ weekly once established; drought-tolerant once mature

  8. Soil Preferences: Prefers light, well-drained soil; tolerates a wide range from sandy to clay; pH 6.0–7.0

  9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
    • Aquaponics: Very compatible
    • Aeroponics: Compatible
    • Hydroponics: Compatible
    • Preferred Method: Media bed or vertical systems; prefers cooler temperatures (~<85 °F)

  10. Growth Habit: Annual or short-lived perennial with erect, branching stems forming 1–3 ft tall habit

  11. Height & Spread: 1–3 ft tall; 1–2 ft wide

  12. Time from Germination to Harvest: Blooms in 6–8 weeks after sowing

  13. Flowering Time: Spring through frost; self-seeds prolifically in mild climates

  14. Edible Parts: Petals (used fresh or dried); young leaves sparingly

  15. Medicinal Uses: Topical anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antiseptic; traditional uses include treating skin irritations, eczema, burns, and eye inflammation

  16. Companion Plants: Great with tomatoes, carrots, roses; attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies; may deter some pests

  17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally hardy; watch for aphids, slugs, powdery mildew—ensure good airflow and avoid over-watering

  18. Harvest Time: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering; collect petals before wilting; store dried petals in airtight containers

  19. Propagation Methods: Direct-seed ½″ deep in spring or fall; seedlings emerge in ~7–14 days; self-seeds readily

  20. Sustainability Features: Pollinator-friendly; self-seeding habit supports ecological balance; drought tolerant and low-input crop

  21. Culinary Uses: Use petals as “poor man’s saffron” in soups, salads, rice, teas, and baked goods

  22. Fun Fact: Known as “Mary’s Gold,” the flower was historically used in love potions and magical rituals to reveal future spouses

Pink Surprise (Calendula officinalis 'Pink Surprise')
Flower Color: Peach to apricot blooms with pink-edged petals.
Culinary Uses: Edible petals, lovely in teas and salads.
Notes: Bicolor and early-blossoming; medium height (~20–24″).
Planting Tip: Sow in spring or fall; pinch back for bushier habit.
Days to Maturity: ~50–55 days

Orange Porcupine (Calendula officinalis 'Orange Porcupine')
Flower Color: Bright orange, quilled petals.
Culinary Uses: Petals for culinary decoration and infusion.
Notes: Unique spiky flowers; ideal for borders or containers.
Planting Tip: Grow in full sun; mulch to preserve moisture.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Fiesta Gitana (Calendula officinalis 'Fiesta Gitana')
Flower Color: Soft buttery yellow to pale orange.
Culinary Uses: Petals for edible garnish or “poor man’s saffron.”
Notes: Dwarf, free-flowering; Award of Garden Merit from RHS.
Planting Tip: Great for containers; trim stems to encourage blooms.
Days to Maturity: ~50 days

Nova (Calendula officinalis 'Nova')
Flower Color: Bright yellow and orange single blooms.
Culinary Uses: Petals for teas and winter soups.
Notes: Tall stems (to ~18″); favored by native pollinators.
Planting Tip: Best in cooler weather; deadhead to extend bloom.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Bon Bon Series (Calendula officinalis 'Bon Bon')
Flower Color: Mix of apricot, yellow, and orange semi-double blooms.
Culinary Uses: Edible petals add color and flavor to dishes.
Notes: Compact plants (~12″ tall); great in beds or edging.
Planting Tip: Sow in blocks; pinch tips lightly to promote fullness.
Days to Maturity: ~50–55 days

Kinglet Mix (Calendula officinalis 'Kinglet Mix')
Flower Color: Crest-like double flowers in yellow to orange shades.
Culinary Uses: Petals for garnish and floral sachets.
Notes: Medium height (~20–24″); prolific and showy.
Planting Tip: Prefers consistent moisture and full sun.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Citrus Cocktail (Calendula officinalis 'Citrus Cocktail')
Flower Color: Bicolor yellow and orange blooms.
Culinary Uses: Decorative petals for dishes or potpourri.
Notes: Compact and container-friendly.
Planting Tip: Use in pots or garden beds; pinch to extend bloom time.
Days to Maturity: ~50–55 days

Neon (Calendula officinalis 'Neon')
Flower Color: Dense, deep orange double flowers.
Culinary Uses: Petals bring bold color to foods and teas.
Notes: Vibrant, rich tone; high stem count.
Planting Tip: Deadhead often and stake if blooms heavy.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Ivory Princess (Calendula officinalis 'Ivory Princess')
Flower Color: Creamy-white double blooms with dark centers.
Culinary Uses: Gentle-colored petals suitable for light dishes.
Notes: Elegant and restrained hues; good for arrangements.
Planting Tip: Provide full sun; moderate water to maintain form.
Days to Maturity: ~50–55 days

Bronzed Beauty (Calendula officinalis 'Bronzed Beauty')
Flower Color: Copper-peach and cream-toned blooms.
Culinary Uses: Petals used for autumn-themed plate presentations.
Notes: Tall stems; rich, warm-toned flowers.
Planting Tip: Ideal for cut flower use; grow in blocks for visual impact.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Alpha (Calendula officinalis 'Alpha')
Flower Color: Rich, deep orange.
Culinary Uses: Brightens dishes or teas with vibrant petals.
Notes: High-resin variety, great for medicinal salves; hardy and long-blooming.
Planting Tip: Deadhead regularly to maintain flower production; grow in full sun.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Sun Glow (Calendula officinalis 'Sun Glow')
Flower Color: Bright yellow.
Culinary Uses: Edible petals for soups, salads, and rice dishes.
Notes: Single-flowered; early to bloom and vigorous.
Planting Tip: Start indoors or direct-sow after frost; thin to 12" apart.
Days to Maturity: ~50 days

Lemon (Calendula officinalis 'Lemon')
Flower Color: Pale, pastel yellow.
Culinary Uses: Subtle petal color in light-colored foods and teas.
Notes: Double blooms; delicate bouquet effect.
Planting Tip: Provide cool, well-drained conditions to maintain color intensity.
Days to Maturity: ~50–55 days

Orange Prince (Calendula officinalis 'Orange Prince')
Flower Color: Deep orange.
Culinary Uses: Edible decoration or tea infusion.
Notes: Strong, upright stems with full blooms.
Planting Tip: Provide support if planted in cutting gardens; thrives in full sun.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Apricot Pygmy (Calendula officinalis 'Apricot Pygmy')
Flower Color: Light peach to apricot, semi-double blooms.
Culinary Uses: Adds pastel color to salads and desserts.
Notes: Compact, growing to ~25 cm; drought-tolerant.
Planting Tip: Excellent for containers due to small stature and prolific bloom.
Days to Maturity: ~50 days

Snow Princess (Calendula officinalis 'Snow Princess')
Flower Color: Creamy white with buttery undertones.
Culinary Uses: Elegant, light-colored edible petals.
Notes: Compact habit (~30 cm); bi-colored blooms with dark centers.
Planting Tip: Best in cooler weather to maintain color; avoid direct hot sun.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Greenheart Orange (Calendula officinalis 'Greenheart Orange')
Flower Color: Orange petals with striking lime-green center.
Culinary Uses: Unique petals for salads and teas; visually striking.
Notes: Double flowers; stands out in cut-flower arrangements.
Planting Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Flashback Mix (Calendula officinalis 'Flashback Mix')
Flower Color: Pastel and bright hues with bicolor reverse petals.
Culinary Uses: Edible garnish with visual contrast.
Notes: Long-stemmed for cutting; semi-double to double flowers.
Planting Tip: Harvest full stems for best vase life.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Dandy (Calendula officinalis 'Dandy')
Flower Color: Light, bright orange with large double blooms and green center.
Culinary Uses: Showy petals for teas and edible arrangements.
Notes: Tall (~50–60 cm); decorative and medicinal.
Planting Tip: Stake if stems lean under bloom weight.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

Orange King (Calendula officinalis 'Orange King')
Flower Color: Bright orange, fully double.
Culinary Uses: Excellent as edible garnish or in floral teas.
Notes: Large, fully double flowers; impressive in urns.
Planting Tip: Provide regular deadheading to maintain bloom vigor.
Days to Maturity: ~55–60 days

Touch of Red (Calendula officinalis 'Touch of Red')
Flower Color: Yellow to orange petals with red tips and mahogany underside.
Culinary Uses: Adds colorful accent to dishes or teas.
Notes: Eye-catching bicolor effect; medium height.
Planting Tip: Plant in full sun to maintain vibrant red coloring.
Days to Maturity: ~50–60 days

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Lesson tags: beneficial insect attractor, calendula, Calendula officinalis, calendula salve, cold hardy annuals, companion planting, cottage garden plants, cut flowers, edible flowers, flower gardening, garden beauty, heirloom flowers, herbal remedies, herbal skincare, herbal tea plants, medicinal flowers, medicinal herbs, natural dye plants, organic gardening, permaculture plants, pollinator friendly, pot marigold, regenerative gardening, skin care herbs
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