Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold, is a sun-loving annual that brings daisy-like warmth to gardens across hardiness zones 2 through 11. Bright yellow to deep orange flowers, sometimes with contrasting darker centers, bloom reliably from May through June, and in cooler climates can stretch the show well into fall. Growing 12 to 24 inches tall and wide, this Old World herb has long served both ornamental and practical purposes in cottage gardens and borders. It tolerates frost, thrives in average soil, and attracts butterflies with its cheerful, showy blooms.
12
Partial Sun
Moderate
2-11
24in H x 24in W
—
High
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The pot marigold earned its common name from its traditional use as a kitchen herb, simmered in pots for both flavor and medicine. This is no fussy annual; it germinates easily between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, handles rabbit browse and black walnut toxicity without flinching, and actually prefers part afternoon shade in hot climates rather than burning out in intense sun. The flowers reach 3 to 4 inches across on sturdy stems, ranging from single petals to full double forms in cultivars that expand the palette to soft pastels and bicolors.
Marigold serves double duty as both ornamental and herb. In the garden, it anchors borders and annual beds with bold color and reliable blooms. Historically and today, the petals have been steeped and simmered, continuing its legacy as a potherb that bridges decorative and practical uses.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date, keeping the soil temperature between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings or purchased starter plants out after the last frost date has passed.
Set seedlings or starter plants outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart to accommodate their mature width.
Sow seed directly in the garden just before the last frost date, taking advantage of cool spring soil conditions.
Pinch back young plants early in the season to encourage compact, bushy growth and reduce legginess, particularly if plants are growing in too much shade. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season extends blooming and keeps plants tidy.
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“Calendula officinalis is an Old World potherb and garden plant with deep roots in European folk tradition. Its lineage as both an ornamental and culinary herb stretches back centuries, appearing in kitchen gardens and apothecaries where petals were valued for their utility as much as their beauty. The species itself remains relatively unchanged, though modern cultivars have expanded the color range beyond the original golden and orange hues to include cream, pale yellow, and bicolored forms.”