Calendula Seeds

Wonderful garden companion flower! Blooms spring to frost attracting bees and butterflies with continuous blossoms except during the peak heat of summer.  Easy to grow, deer resistant, helps deter some garden pests. Companion plant to cabbage family and tomatoes with edible petals and leaves.

Frost-tolerant annual, 1 ½”-2 ½” golden cream to yellow blossoms with orange tips. Grows 8” tall, somewhat bushy. 

Full Sun to part shade, but thrives in the cool weather in spring and fall
Perennial in USDA Zones 9-11

Regular to rich, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, can also tolerate poor soil, including clay. Water 1” per week, less once established. Mix in 1-2” of compost to poor soil when planting or to revive after a hot summer

Sow outside: 2-4 weeks before average last frost date through late summer
Sow inside:  4-6 weeks before last frost, recommended for cold climates
Seed depth: ¼-½” needs darkness to germinate
Seed spacing: 4 seeds every 8”, when 2” tall thin to 1 every 8” 
Days to emerge: 5-15 days

Care: Deadhead to keep blooming, maintain good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew. Snails and slugs may damage young seedlings. For cuttings wait until flowers have fully opened.  If they tire mid-summer, cut back by ⅓ and amend with compost to revive for fall