Calendula Pacific Beauty

Calendula officinalis

Yellow-orange flowers up to 3” in diameter that blooms summer through fall. Grows beautifully in the garden to attract pollinators. Plants are deer resistant and drought tolerant. Calendula can also be used as an accent cut flower. Flower heads are edible and petals add color to your favorite dishes and drinks.

Seed Count: approximately 50 seeds

Plant Height: 18-24”

Light Requirements: full sun

Soil Preference: well draining soil, pH 5.8-6.5

USDA Zones: 2-11 (annual)

How to Grow

Germination: 7-14 days at 55-70F, warmer germination temperatures produce weak plants

Seeding Depth: 1/4-1/2” depth, dark required for germination

Plant Spacing: 9-12”

Days to Maturity: 60-90 days

Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seed outdoors after the last frost date or when soil temperature is above 65F.

Late-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 11 weeks before the first frost date. Can be seeded early-fall in zones 8-10.

Growing Tips: Pinching out the growing point when the plant is 10” tall will promote branching and is recommended for this variety. Remove spent blooms or prune plants to promote additional flowering. Succession seeding is recommended every few weeks to extend the blooming/harvest period. Allow seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting for sowing.

Cut Flower: Less desirable calendula as a cut flower than longer stem types. Harvest when bloom is halfway open for optimal vase life. Leaves are sticky so gloves may be preferable when working with this crop. Vase life up to 7 days with flower food.

Edible/Medicinal: Flowers are used as a food coloring or natural dye, and can be substituted for saffron. The petals are edible but can be bitter towards the base where petals connect to the head. Can be used as an anti-inflammatory herb for localized skin problems and has been reported to activate cellular defense mechanisms.