Trailing Alyssum
Snow Princess Calendula is a mesmerizing heirloom flower that performs one of nature's most enchanting color tricks right in your garden. Unopened buds emerge in soft lemon curd yellow, then gradually unfurl to reveal brilliant, almost pure white petals contrasted by a dark center, a transformation that unfolds continuously from late spring through fall. These tidy 2-foot plants reach blooming size in just 45 to 55 days, making them reliable performers even for gardeners new to growing calendulas. Their self-seeding habit means you may find volunteers returning year after year, offering that special heirloom gift of natural garden renewal.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-11
?in H x ?in W
Annual
High
Hover over chart points for details
This variety stands apart for its stunning color metamorphosis, where closed buds slowly transform from warm yellow to cool white as they open, creating an almost optical illusion of blooms at different stages of maturity simultaneously. The compact plant habit, around 2 feet tall, keeps them tidy and manageable while still providing abundant flowers throughout a long season. Snow Princess thrives in full sun with at least 8 to 12 hours daily, rewards early sowing with quick germination in 7 to 14 days, and self-seeds readily for effortless garden continuity.
As a flowering ornamental, Snow Princess Calendula brings continuous color and visual intrigue to borders, containers, and cutting gardens from late spring through fall. The self-seeding trait makes it especially valuable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, year-to-year garden presence without replanting.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost, planting at a depth of 1/4 inch in moist seed-starting mix. Keep the soil temperature around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and expect germination within 7 to 14 days. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge. Harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before moving them to the garden.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after your last spring frost date when soil has warmed to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 10 inches apart. Calendulas tolerate cool weather, so early spring planting is often successful even before warm conditions arrive.
Direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring or fall, pressing them 1/4 inch into the soil and keeping it moist until germination occurs in 7 to 14 days. Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season and extend flowering from late spring through fall. Pinching back young plants when they reach 6 to 8 inches tall can encourage bushier, more compact growth.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.