Warm, sunny orange and yellow blooms with a long history as both a garden flower and an herbal remedy. Calendula is tough, cheerful, and easy to grow.
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Sunlight
Full sun, 6+ hrs
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Water
Moderate
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Type
Annual (cool-season)
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Soil
Average, well-drained
Growing Basics
Calendula is a cool-season annual in Minnesota. It blooms best in spring and fall and may slow down in peak summer heat.
Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily).
Soil: Average, well-drained soil. Very adaptable â doesn't need rich conditions.
Transplanting: Tolerates light frost, so it can go in the ground a couple of weeks before your last frost date. Plant at the same depth as in the pot.
Watering: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture keeps it blooming.
Fertilization: Light feeding at planting is sufficient. Too much nitrogen leads to lush leaves and fewer flowers.
Other Tips
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep new flowers coming all season.
The petals are edible with a slightly tangy, peppery flavor â they add color to salads and can be dried for tea.
Calendula has a long history as a skin-soothing herb. Dried petals are a common ingredient in salves and lotions.
If it fades in summer heat, cut it back partway and it will often rebloom beautifully when cooler fall weather arrives.
Self-seeds readily â you may get volunteers next spring.
