Ornamental Flower
Ivory Princess Calendula is a compact cultivar of Calendula officinalis that produces striking ivory blooms from spring through fall, reaching just 24-30 inches tall. This open-pollinated variety transforms from seed to flower in 84-98 days, thriving in full sun across hardiness zones 6-11. Frost-tolerant and drought-smart, it's equally at home in a cutting garden or pollinator border, attracting bees while resisting deer.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-11
30in H x 12in W
Annual
Moderate
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The standout ivory color combination sets this calendula apart in beds where golden and orange varieties dominate. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for containers and small spaces, while the long bloom window from March through November means continuous flowers for cutting or enjoying fresh petals. Direct seeding works beautifully, and successive sowings every 2-3 weeks keep blooms flowing all season long.
Ivory Princess shines as a cut flower, with blooms lasting well in the vase once harvested at approximately 50% open. The petals are also edible once fully open, pull them away from the calyx and flower center before using in culinary dishes, where they add color and subtle flavor to salads and other preparations.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost in containers. Germinate at 65-70°F, then grow seedlings at 55-60°F until transplanting outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 1 inch apart, though 6-inch spacing allows for fuller growth.
Direct seed is recommended. After the danger of frost, sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in early to mid-spring, just before the last average frost. Make 2-3 successive sowings spaced 2-3 weeks apart to ensure continuous blooms from summer through heavy frost. In mild winter areas (zones 8-10), you can also sow in early autumn.
For cut flowers, harvest once the bloom is about 50% open, which extends vase life. If harvesting edible petals, wait until the flowers are fully open, then pull the petals away from the calyx and flower center before using in dishes. Do not eat the calyx or flower centers.
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