Calendula is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae. Commonly known as marigolds, they are native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean. Calendula plants are annuals or short-lived perennials and can grow up to 2 feet tall. The flowers are typically bright yellow or orange and have a daisy-like appearance. The leaves are lanceolate and the stems are often hairy. Calendula is known for its medicinal properties and is used in herbal teas, salves, and tinctures. It is also a popular garden flower and is used in bouquets and other floral arrangements.
Planning Your Garden With Calendula
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Calendula is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Calendula is hardy IN USDA Zones 2-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Calendula is a hardy annual plant that can tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest calendula is 60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown calendula plant is between 12 and 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Calendula prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be spaced 8-12 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Calendula is considered to be a sun-loving plant and can tolerate full sun exposure in most climates. However, it can also tolerate partial shade if necessary. |
| Shade tolerance | Calendula is a moderately shade-tolerant plant, meaning it can tolerate some shade but will still need some direct sunlight to thrive. It will do best in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. |
| Water requirements | Calendula plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water the plant deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Water the plant in the morning so that the foliage has a chance to dry off before nightfall. During the summer, the plant may need to be watered several times a week. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, water it less often. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing calendula will depend on the type of fertilizer used and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing calendula is 6.0 to 7.5. |
Why Calendula is Popular
People like to grow calendula for a variety of reasons. It is easy to grow, has a long flowering season, and provides a burst of colour to any garden. Calendula is also edible, and its petals can be used to add colour and flavour to salads, soups, and other dishes. It is also said to have medicinal properties, and is used in topical treatments for skin irritations, cuts, and bruises.
Companion Plants For Calendula
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for calendula include:
Common Pests For Calendula
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow calendula, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
