Ornamental
Orange Flash Calendula delivers vibrant rose and copper blooms on compact 18- to 24-inch plants that flower continuously from spring through heavy frost. This open-pollinated cultivar thrives in zones 2 through 11, reaching full flower in 84 to 98 days from seed. Frost-tolerant, drought-hardy, and beloved by pollinators, it's a reliable choice for gardeners seeking long-season color with minimal fuss.
8-12 inches apart
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
24in H x 12in W
Annual
Moderate
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Bright rose and copper flowers emerge on compact, bushy plants that stay neat in beds and containers. The blooms arrive reliably from March through November across most growing zones, and they're prized by cut flower enthusiasts who harvest them at 50 percent open for the longest vase life. Deer leave it alone, it tolerates dry spells well, and it actually thrives in full sun with moderate watering, making it one of the easiest flowers to grow.
Orange Flash Calendula excels as a cut flower; harvest blooms when they reach roughly 50 percent open for the longest vase life and most graceful unfurling indoors. The petals are edible once flowers fully open and can be pulled from the bloom to garnish dishes, though the calyx and flower center should be discarded. The plant itself serves as a reliable pollinator magnet, drawing bees and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
Sow seeds indoors in containers 4 to 5 weeks before your last spring frost. Germinate at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, then lower the temperature to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to grow seedlings. Seeds typically sprout in 5 to 14 days.
Transplant seedlings into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Harden off plants gradually before moving them outdoors. Space them 1 to 6 inches apart depending on desired density.
Direct sowing is recommended. Sow seeds just before the last average frost in early to mid-spring, planting at a depth of 1/4 inch. For continuous summer blooms, make 2 to 3 successive sowings 2 to 3 weeks apart. In mid-summer, sow again for fall blooms. In mild winter areas (zones 8 to 10), early autumn sowing is possible.
For cut flowers, harvest blooms when they are approximately 50 percent open to maximize vase life and allow graceful unfurling indoors. For edible use, wait until flowers are fully open, then gently pull petals from the bloom and discard the calyx and flower center before using in dishes.
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