Pacific Apricot Beauty Calendula is an open-pollinated variety of Calendula officinalis prized for its soft, pastel melon-toned blooms and reliable performance from spring through fall frost. Growing to just 18 to 24 inches tall, this compact bush flower produces harvestable blooms in 50 to 55 days from seed, making it one of the quickest calendulas to flower. Both deer and drought tolerate it well, while its prolific blooms attract pollinators throughout the season, offering continuous color with minimal fuss.
6
Partial Shade
Moderate
2-11
24in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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The pastel melon coloring sets this calendula apart, delivering a softer aesthetic than typical bright orange varieties while maintaining the same hardy, unfussy growing nature. Direct seeding is recommended and reliable, with successive sowings every two to three weeks stretching blooms from summer right through heavy frost. The compact 18 to 24-inch height and 6-inch spacing make it a natural choice for containers, borders, or small garden spaces where full-sized cultivars would overwhelm.
Pacific Apricot Beauty excels as a cut flower, harvested at about 50 percent bloom for longest vase life. The petals are also edible when flowers are fully open, though gardeners should remove the calyx and flower centers before using them in dishes; they pair well in salads, teas, or as garnishes where their subtle melon tone adds visual appeal.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost in containers. Soak seeds at 65 to 70°F to germinate, then lower temperatures to 55 to 60°F for vigorous growth before transplanting out.
Harden off transplants over several days, then plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 6 inches apart.
Direct sow in early to mid-spring, just before the last average frost, sowing seeds at 1/4 inch depth. For continuous blooms, make 2 to 3 successive sowings at 2 to 3 week intervals through early summer. In zones 8 to 10, you can direct sow again in midsummer for fall bloom; in mild winter areas, even early autumn sowing works.
For cut flowers, harvest once the bloom is about 50 percent open to maximize vase life. For edible use, wait until flowers are fully open, then gently pull the petals away from the calyx and flower center, discarding those inner parts. Harvest frequently to encourage more blooms throughout the season.
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