Calendula is one of the easiest herbs to grow & is a highly versatile plant. Calendula has many benefits, ranging from companion plant, edible flowers, eye candy, attracting pollinators to a myriad of medicinal benefits. We absolutely love calendula and grow it every year! Calendula is perennial in zones 8-10 (that's us, here in the Portland metro!!).
A relatively compact plant, calendula grows 2' tall and wide. Deadheading (snipping off the flower heads as they fizzle out) isn't necessary, but by doing so, it can not only improve the appearance of the plants but increase the amount of blooms you get all season long. However, if you want to save seed, let a few flowers dry until brown. Calendula thrives in full sun and isn't picky about soil conditions. It generally self-sows and is one of the first early spring blooms! One of our absolute favorite companion plants, it has no enemies. The leaves and petals are edible.
Days to Maturity: 60
Companion Plants: ALL! Especially tomatoes.
Open Pollinated (OP)
Plant Spacing: 6 - 12"
Photo credit: Jess Page
Growing Guide
Whether you're a new or seasoned gardener, it can be good to educate yourself about your new plant. We highly recommend (& use ourselves) the Almanac's Growing Guides.
