Also known as Pot Marigold · 72 saves
Calendula
Calendula, the genus most gardeners know as pot marigold. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Calendula varieties
Species of Calendula
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Calendula in Sow
Save the Calendula you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Calendula
Whats common across all Calendula varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Calendula year
- PlantMarch–May100% of varieties
Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost.
- HarvestMay–September100% of varieties
Pick petals or whole flowers when fully open for culinary use.
- DeadheadMay–September100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
- Check for PestsMay and June75% of varieties
Watch for aphids on new growth.
Do
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers
- Apply compost annually to enrich soil
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce flower production
- Never let soil dry out completely between watering
- Avoid planting in shady areas; calendula prefers full sun
What goes wrong with Calendula
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on underside of leaves, speckled foliage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Calendula
Seeds
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep into soil in early spring
- Keep soil moist and place in full sun
- Germination occurs in 7-14 days
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing
- Harvest in about 60 days
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain humidity for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Calendula questions
How many types of Calendula are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Calendula varieties. The most popular — ranked by 72 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Calendula grow in?
Across its varieties, Calendula covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Calendula bloom?
Most Calendula varieties bloom in mid-spring, late spring to fall, late spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Calendula should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.