Annual Wildflower

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

A bright cool-season annual for pollinator plantings, mass color and mixed wildflower displays

Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold, is an easy-growing annual known for its bright yellow to orange daisy-like flowers. It performs especially well during cooler portions of the growing season and is useful in annual wildflower mixtures, pollinator plantings, borders and mass displays where extended seasonal color is desired.

Scientific Name Calendula officinalis
Life Cycle Annual
Common Name Pot Marigold
Native Status Non-Native to California

Wildflower Characteristics

Why Plant Calendula?

Calendula combines easy establishment, bright seasonal color and useful floral resources for pollinators and beneficial insects.

C

Bright Color

Produces highly visible yellow to orange flowers that add strong seasonal color to mixed and mass plantings.

P

Pollinator Value

Flowers attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, adding functional value to ornamental and wildflower plantings.

G

Easy to Grow

Calendula establishes readily from seed and performs well under relatively simple annual wildflower management.

R

Reseeding Potential

Mature plants can reseed where seed is allowed to fall, although Calendula is generally not considered an aggressive reseeder in maintained landscapes.

Where It Fits

Best Uses for Calendula

Calendula is particularly useful where growers, landscapers or gardeners want dependable annual flowering combined with pollinator value and strong yellow-to-orange color.

Annual Wildflower Mixes Adds bright yellow and orange flowers to mixed annual wildflower displays.
Pollinator Plantings Provides accessible flowers for bees and other beneficial insects during the bloom period.
Borders & Mass Plantings Strong flower color makes Calendula effective in borders, beds and larger seasonal displays.
Cut-Flower Plantings Upright flowering stems can also be used for informal bouquets and seasonal arrangements.

Establishment & Management

Growing Calendula

Calendula performs best in sunny locations with loose, well-drained soil and adequate moisture during establishment.

Site Selection

Full sun is preferred. Some light shade can be tolerated, particularly in areas with intense summer heat.

Planting Depth

Plant seed approximately 1/4 inch deep with good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid excessive burial.

Moisture

Maintain consistent moisture during germination and early growth. Well-drained soil is preferred over persistently saturated conditions.

Seasonal Performance

Calendula generally performs best during cooler weather. Flowering can decline during prolonged periods of high heat and may resume as conditions moderate.

Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Value

More Than Seasonal Color

Calendula flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, making the species useful where growers want both visible annual color and additional floral resources. It works well in garden borders, wildflower plantings and diversified flowering areas where the site is appropriate.

Looking for Calendula Seed?

Contact Weaver Seed for current availability, quantities, packaging or help incorporating Calendula into an annual wildflower, pollinator or custom seed mixture.

Contact Weaver Seed