Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a cheerful and versatile annual that brings beauty and practicality to your garden. Its vibrant orange and yellow blooms are not only stunning but also edible, adding a pop of colour and mild flavour to salads, teas, quiches, or baked goods.
Calendula’s medicinal properties make it a staple in herbal remedies, often used for soothing skin irritations or crafting infused oils and salves. A favorite of pollinators, it is easy to grow, self-seeds readily, and provides an ongoing display of blooms throughout the season.
 
Uses:
Ornamental: Adds vibrant color to garden beds and containers.
Culinary: Petals can be used as a garnish or in salads for a splash of color.
Medicinal: Traditionally used in salves and teas for soothing skin and promoting healing.
 
How to Plant:
Timing: Sow outdoors in early spring after the last frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks before.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Spacing: 12 inches apart.
Germination: 7–14 days at 60–70°F.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
 
Companion Planting Tips:
Good Companions: Tomatoes, carrots, and beans (Calendula attracts pollinators and beneficial insects).
Avoid: Plants that require very dry conditions, as Calendula prefers moderate moisture.