Grown for its cheerful bright flowers and abundant blooming, Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold) is a popular annual plant that will both command attention in any landscape and reward you with weeks of blooms, from late spring until frost. The vibrant blooms provide not only a splash of color in the summer garden, but they are edible and may be added fresh or dried to soups, salads or rice dishes for both color and flavor.

• Native to Southern Europe, Calendula is easy to grow, low maintenance and performs best in early summer and fall. 
• Vigorously growing up to 1-2 ft. (30-60 cm) and spreading 1-1.5 ft. (30-45 cm), depending on Calendula varieties, it self-seeds readily but is non-invasive.
• Preferring cool weather and exceptionally cold tolerant, Calendula is intolerant of intense heat and may die out during periods of hot humid weather.
• The showy flowers are daisy-like, about 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm), and range in color from creamy white to dazzling orange, vibrant yellow or more subtle shades of apricot, soft yellow, sometimes with contrasting tips. They may be single or double, with light or dark centers, and proudly rise above the aromatic foliage of lance-shaped, green leaves (to 6 in. long or 15 cm).
• Calendula is a great selection for beds, borders, rock gardens, edgings, ground covers or as mass plantings. It adds a touch of old-fashioned charm in vegetable gardens, herb gardens, cottage gardens or as potted specimens. 

• Calendula performs best in full sun, in average, moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Light shade is tolerated in hot summer areas.
• Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow directly in the garden just before the last frost date. Avoid warm propagation temperatures, as they will produce weak plants. Start an additional set of seedlings in the summer for optimal fall flowering. If flowering performance dwindles in midsummer, cut the plants back severely. Flower production will be particularly increased by fertilizers high in phosphorus.
• Young plants may be pinched back to encourage compact bushy growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional bloom. 
• Few insects or diseases bother Pot Marigolds. Watch for slugs and snails or powdery mildew. Butterflies love them while deer and rabbits ignore them!

• The most popular Marigold varieties are:
  ‘Art Shades’ Mix: Double flowers in citrus shades. 2ft. tall (60 cm)
  ‘Bon Bon’ Series: Double, pompom like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, cream or bronze. 10-12 in. tall (25-30 cm)
  ‘Touch of Red’ Mix: Flowers in shades of yellow and orange with red petal backs matching their centers. 2ft. tall (60 cm).
  ‘Calypso’ Series: Large, double, orange and yellow flowers with black centers. Compact, dense plants. 12 in. tall (30 cm)
  ‘Pacific Beauty’ Series: Blooms in shades of orange, cream to yellow garland 1-2 ft. tall plants (30-60 cm).
  ‘Princess’ Series: Golden yellow and orange flowers with black or green centers. 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm)
  ‘Kablouna’ Series: Large blooms of gold, orange or apricot with a dark pin-cushion boss of petals. 16 in. tall (40 cm)
  ‘Greenheart Orange’: Orange petals are arranged around a large, lime green tufted center. 2 ft. tall (60 cm)
  ‘Radio Extra Selected’: Unusual cactus-like orange blooms with quilled petals. 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm)