How to Grow Pot Marigold (Calendula) Flowers

Calendula officinalis

On late summer mornings, one of my favorite rituals is to wander through my garden, and pick a few of the vibrant pot marigold flowers to make into a refreshing tea.

Each day I am pleasantly surprised to see a collection of new buds developing on my plants.

An herb that keeps on giving, the showy flowers of calendula bloom well into the fall.

A close up vertical image of bright orange Calendula officinalis flowers growing in the garden with foliage in soft focus in the background. To the top and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

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Are you ready to learn how to grow pot marigold? Here’s what I’ll cover:

What Is Calendula?

Pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, also known as calendula or English marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes asters, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, and true marigolds.

A close up of bright orange calendula flowers growing in the late summer garden pictured on a soft focus background.

The blossoms of C. officinalis resemble the true marigold flowers of the Tagetes genus which includes the French marigold, T. patula, and the Mexican (sometimes called African) marigold, T. erecta.

In spite of the common name “pot marigold” C. officinalis is not a true marigold.

This annual herb can grow up to 24 inches tall, depending on the variety, and produces vibrant flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or peachy-pink that bloom from early summer through fall.

A close up horizontal image of freshly cut stems of calendula flowers set on a rustic wooden surface.

They brighten up beds and borders, add a pop of color to containers, and are a beautiful addition to cut flower arrangements or bouquets.

Suitable for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11, pot marigold is easy to grow, and the blooms attract pollinators like bees, and other beneficial insects.

Cultivation and History

C. officinalis is native to the Mediterranean region, north Africa, and parts of the Middle East.

A close up horizontal image of a double-petalled pot marigold flower with a bee feeding, pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

In medieval Europe, it was known as “poor man’s saffron,” and was used to add flavor and color to soups and stews. The flowers were blended into soothing salves and stirred into restorative elixirs.

Estimates place its introduction to the United States at the time of the European settlers’ arrival in the 1600s. During the civil war, many doctors carried dried calendula flowers in their medical bags to stop bleeding and help wounds heal.

In addition, this plant is a well-respected “beneficial botanical,” with culinary and medicinal uses.

C. officinalis is on the FDA List of Substances Generally Recognized as Safe, and scientists from around the world have conducted extensive studies, describing its properties as “bioactive and free radical scavenging” and “protective and cytotoxic.”

A close up horizontal image of calendula flowers growing in a meadow pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

The flowers contain anti-inflammatory triterpenes and antioxidant flavonoids and are widely used in herbal remedies. They can be infused in oil or in creams and applied topically to wounds and other skin complaints.

Often used to help prevent infection and speed up the healing process, calendula creams and ointments can be applied to everything from burns to cuts, acne to diaper rash.

Dried or fresh flowers can also be made into a soothing tea to alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu.

The flowers have a peppery, slightly tangy flavor, and can be sprinkled on soups and stews, or added to salads for a vibrant pop of color.

Pot marigold’s bright orange pigment can also be used to dye fabric.

Calendula Propagation

If you’re looking for a flower that makes a colorful splash in the garden from spring through summer and well into fall, this is the plant for you.

A horizontal image of a garden bed planted with bright orange pot marigolds, with shrubs and trees in the background and a paved path in the foreground.

C. officinalis is easy to propagate from seed, or you can pick up nursery starts at your local garden center, to get a jump on the growing season.

From Seed

Pot marigold can be sown directly in the garden in spring after the last frost has passed. Gardeners in Zones 7 to 11 can sow seeds in fall.

Prepare a garden bed by clearing away debris and adding some fresh compost, and then either broadcast seeds or create rows, planting every six inches.

Cover the seeds with quarter to half an inch of soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly. Seeds should germinate within a week.

You can thin the seedlings when they have one or two sets of true leaves.

From Seedlings or Transplants

I like to start seeds indoors, so my C. officinalis cultivation is usually underway by late March, in Zone 5.

You can start seeds six to eight weeks before last frost. Prepare seed trays or small containers with a well-draining potting soil and sow quarter-inch deep.

Keep them moist but not waterlogged until germination.

When all danger of frost has passed, and seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, harden them off by placing them outdoors in a sheltered location for an hour or so per day, gradually increasing the time over the course of a week.

After hardening off, transplant the seedlings or nursery starts outdoors, six to 12 inches apart in a garden bed amended with compost.

Keep transplants moist and weed-free until well established.

How to Grow Calendula Flowers

Calendula grows best in filtered sun or part shade, and tends to thrive in cooler temperatures.

In warmer areas, be sure to plant it where it will receive some shade in the hottest part of the day – or grow it in pots that you can move around.

A close up horizontal image of a terra cotta pot with a small calendula seedling growing in dark, rich soil, with gravel and a fence in the background.

Plants prefer organically-rich soil, but will tolerate most soil types, provided it is well-draining.

Keep soil evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater, as they do not like wet feet. Established plants will tolerate some dry spells.

In hot regions, you can apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

As the plants grow, pinch back leggy stems to encourage a bushy growth habit, and deadhead spent blossoms to ensure a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.

A close up horizontal image of a meadow planted with bright orange and yellow pot marigolds.

Pot marigold is an annual that self-sows readily, so if you don’t deadhead the flowers and your climate is accommodating, you may find that it behaves like a perennial – coming back year after year.

If you want your plants to self-sow, remove spent blossoms sporadically, or not at all, to allow seed to form and scatter naturally.

If you prefer to grow your C. officinalis in containers, select a pot that’s at least six inches deep, with drainage holes in the bottom. Allow six inches between plants, if you are growing more than one, or use multiple pots.

Use a good quality, well-draining potting soil, and remember that containers dry out quicker than garden soil, so you may need to water more frequently.

Growing Tips

  • Plant in organically-rich, well-draining soil.
  • Choose a location with filtered sun or part shade.
  • Deadhead blooms to encourage continual flowering.
  • They aren’t affected by the juglone produced by walnuts, pecans, or hickories, so feel free to plant under these trees.

Calendula Cultivars to Select

In addition to the species plant, there are a number of different cultivars to choose from, some that feature double petals or interesting colors.

A close up square image of orange pot marigold flowers growing in the garden.

Calendula officinalis

If you would like to purchase seeds for the species plant, find packets of 25 seeds available at Earthbeat Seeds.

Ball’s Improved Orange

This popular heirloom cultivar boasts vibrant orange, double blooms up to three inches across.

A close up square image of C. officinalis 'Balls Improved Orange' flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

‘Ball’s Improved Orange’

Plants reach a mature height of 12 to 24 inches, and will provide a bright splash of color to your borders or in cut flower arrangements.

Packets of seeds are available from Eden Brothers.

Bon Bon

This dwarf variety is an early-blooming, vigorous grower and produces brilliant two to three-inch golden fully-double blooms, that resemble pompoms.

A close up square image of a small clump of Calendula officinalis 'Bon Bon' in full bloom. To the bottom right of the frame is a white circular logo and text.

‘Bon Bon’

Choose from orange, yellow, or mixed colors. Mature height is just 12 inches, making this dwarf variety the perfect choice for containers or garden beds.

‘Bon Bon’ seeds are available from True Leaf Market.

Pink Sunrise

‘Pink Sunrise’ is a dwarf cultivar that grows to a mature height of nine to 12 inches tall, with two to three-inch double-petalled blooms.

A close up square image of a C. officinalis 'Pink Surprise' flower pictured on a soft focus background.

‘Pink Sunrise’

The gorgeous peachy-pink, ruffled blooms have a deep orange underside, and are a delightful addition to cut flower arrangements or bouquets.

Seeds are available from Eden Brothers.

Managing Pests and Disease

Pot marigolds rarely experience problems with pests and disease.

They are often planted to deter pests from other plants as they attract beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and hoverflies.

Insects

That said, you may occasionally see these pests on or around your plants:

Aphids

Aphids are tiny little sap sucking insects that feed on leaves. Infestations can cause leaf curl and yellowing of foliage. Aphids also produce a sap called honeydew which can attract ants and encourage sooty mold.

A strong blast from the hose can dislodge the aphids or you can spray with neem oil.

Learn more about managing aphids in your garden here.

Slugs

These slithery little pests leave behind a trail of slime as they eat large holes through foliage. When left to their own devices, they can even eat entire leaves.

Mostly a problem in wet weather, slugs can be hand picked in the evening. You can also use beer traps to catch them.

Just dig a cup sized hole and place a cup half filled with beer inside to lure the slugs. Diatomaceous earth can also be sprinkled around the base of plants to deter slugs.

Learn more about how to manage slugs and snails in your garden here.

Whiteflies

These small soft bodied white flies feed on the undersides of leaves. Similar to aphids, whiteflies also produce honeydew, which can encourage mold.

Whiteflies can also be removed with a strong blast of water from a hose.

If an infestation becomes serious, you can also spray a homemade insecticidal soap of water mixed with a few drops of dish soap or use neem oil.

Read more about combating whitefly infestations.

Get a comprehensive list of calendula pests and control measures here.

Disease

Pot marigold isn’t prone to disease, but there are couple that can cause problems.

The main issues you may face include:

Aster yellows

This disease is caused by an organism called a Phytoplasma and is spread by leafhoppers.

It causes stunted leaves and flowers, and ultimately leads to the death of your plant.

Floating row covers or light colored mulches can discourage leafhoppers and reduce the spread of this disease.

There is no cure for aster yellows, so remove and destroy infected plants, do not place them on the compost pile.

You can earn more about aster yellows in this guide.

Calendula Smut

This fungal disease, caused by Entyloma calendulae, affects leaves, creating yellow, brown, and black spots with dark borders.

The thick lesions can be seen on both sides of the foliage.

Water at the base of plants to prevent excess moisture on the flowers and foliage, and remove debris at the end of the growing season to help reduce the risk of fungal spores overwintering in dead plant matter.

Powdery mildew

This fungal disease primarily affects plants in humid weather, and causes a white or grey coating to appear on the surface of leaves, and may cause foliage to curl.

Maintain proper spacing between plants to encourage good air circulation, and prune infected foliage.

Homemade sprays made with vinegar, dish soap and baking soda, or milk can sometimes be effective at controlling powdery mildew on plants.

Harvesting and Preserving Calendula Flowers

Flowers can be picked continually throughout the season.

You can harvest whole flower heads for use in herbal preparations that soothe and heal, for a refreshing tea, or to use as a tangy garnish.

A close up horizontal image of a small pot of salve, a small bottle of tincture, a wooden pestle and mortar, and flowers set on a wooden surface.

In midmorning or early afternoon after the dew has dried and flowers are fully open, cut or pluck the flower heads.

If you are not using them immediately, individual petals may be separated, dried, and stored in an airtight container in a dry location.

To dry the petals, spread them on a screen and place in them in a dark, dry location for a few days.

Improperly stored flowers are prone to molding or bleaching. Before use, inspect petals closely for any signs mold, which may develop as the result of moisture buildup, and discard any that are affected.

A close up horizontal image of a small bottle of massage oil, surrounded by flowers, on a wooden surface.

You can also preserve your flower petals in oil.

To make a calendula-infused oil, chop the dried flowers into small pieces and place in a jar. Cover with olive oil or any carrier oil you prefer, and make sure the flowers are completely submerged.

Place a lid on the jar and store in a dark pantry for four to six weeks, shaking daily. Strain out the flowers and enjoy the oil in cooking, as a massage oil, or use in recipes for herbal salves and creams.

See our guide to making and using calendula oil for more tips.

Recipe Ideas

The petals can be enjoyed raw or cooked and can be used to add color and flavor to any meal.

A close up horizontal image of a glass teacup set on a wooden surface with calendula flowers scattered around.

Sprinkle as a garnish atop salads, cold drinks, or on poultry. Add the flowers to wraps, cook some into your next quiche, or blend in soups and stews.

Calendula tea is deliciously warming, and especially beneficial to relieve the symptoms of lingering colds, sore throats, and infections. Mix with other herbs like echinacea for a real immune system boost!

To make calendula flower tea, infuse three to six grams of fresh or dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

Be sure to check out our guide, “Common Uses of Calendula (Pot Marigold) Flowers,” for more ideas.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Plant Type:Annual flowering herbFlower / Foliage Color:Shades of orange, red, gold/green
Native to:Mediterranean region, north Africa, parts of Middle EastMaintenance:Moderate
Hardiness (USDA Zone):2-11Tolerance:Poor to average soil, light frost
Bloom Time / Season:SummerSoil Type:Average, organically-rich
Exposure:Filtered sun to part shadeSoil pH:6.0-7.0
Time To Maturity:50-60 daysSoil Drainage:Well-draining
Spacing:6-12 inchesAttracts:Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps
Planting Depth:1/4-1/2 inch (seeds)Companion Planting:Asparagus, cabbage, lobelia, salvia, tomatoes
Height:9-24 inchesUses:Cut flowers, cooking, herbal remedies, tea
Spread:12 inchesFamily:Asteraceae
Water Needs:ModerateGenus:Calendula
Pests & Diseases:Aphids, slugs, whiteflies; aster yellows, calendula smut, powdery mildewSpecies:Officinalis

Welcoming and Beneficial

How can you go wrong with a vigorous annual that blooms continuously all summer and into the fall?

And, one with orange and yellow flowers has tremendous curb appeal.

A close up horizontal image of bright orange pot marigold flowers growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

When you plan your garden, think back to art class and the color wheel.

Opposites make for striking combinations, so find a couple of cobalt blue containers, fill them with pot marigold, and prepare to be amazed!

Are you growing calendula in your garden? Share your growing tips in the comments below, and feel free to share a picture!

To learn more about other medicinal herbs, check out these articles next:

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About

Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, she’s always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project!

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Giles Imperator
Giles Imperator (@guest_10017)
3 years ago

I’m gonna give these another try–probably had them in too sunny a location based on your description here. Have tried in ground, plastic and clay containers….I have a single plant now with flowers that gets good morning sun, then dappled afternoon shade. Knowing it may self seed, I’ll keep an eye on that area and hope they return robustly!