How to Grow Calendula

Annual flowers also known as English marigolds or pot marigolds. Calendula repels a number of bad nematodes in the soil, but may attract slugs. Plant with tomatoes and asparagus. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Calendula Guide and grow some sunshine in your garden this summer.

Latin
Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone: 2-10

Timing
Direct sow in early spring (around the end of February on the coast), when light frost is still a possibility and continue to sow until early summer for fall flowers. Calendula is easiest from direct sowing, but can also be started indoors late February to mid-March for transplanting in April. If starting indoors, maintain darkness and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F) until germination occurs in 6-14 days, and then supply bright light to keep seedlings compact. Or direct sow in early autumn in Zones 8-10.

Starting
Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, and aim for a spacing of 15-45cm (6-18″) between plants.

Growing
Calendula grows easily in any regular garden soil, and thrives in a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth. Occasional feeding is rewarded, but unnecessary. Keep plants watered, but try to avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew. Deadhead regularly to prevent self-sowing.

Companion Planting
Calendula repels a number of bad nematodes in the soil, but may attract slugs. Plant with tomatoes and asparagus.