Pot marigold
Calendula officinalis · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Pot marigold is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Common name
- Calendula
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- 30 to 60 cm
- Flowering
- May to October
- Colors
- Orange, yellow
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, frost-sensitive
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin
Care
Light exposure
Calendula loves full sun and flowers abundantly with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A sunny exposure also promotes better color and more generous flowering. In shade, the plant will become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without excess, especially during flowering and dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings; calendula tolerates drought well once established.
Soil
Calendula adapts to most soils but prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost or organic matter at planting time enriches the substrate. Avoid overly compact and poorly drained soils that encourage root rot.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application at the start of growth is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favor foliage at the expense of flowering. A diluted mild fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season can support prolonged flowering.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young stems in spring to encourage better branching and a more compact shape. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new buds and extend flowering. Light removal of diseased or damaged leaves keeps the plant vigorous.
Diseases and pests
Calendula can be affected by powdery mildew and gray mold in case of excessive humidity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Aphids or red spider mites may occasionally infest the plant; a water spray or mild treatment usually suffices.
Did you know?
Officinal calendula has been used since antiquity for its supposedly soothing and tonic properties. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, calendula petals were dried and used in cooking as a saffron substitute, earning it the nickname "poor man's saffron." This flower remains a staple of historical medicinal gardens and traditional wellness practices.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.