by Kimberley A. Willis

Created on: August 26, 2009

Growing Calendula, the other Marigold

Once upon a time calendula was commonly known as the marigold or Pot Marigold. It was grown throughout Europe, both as a medicinal plant and as an ornamental. Then the other type of marigold was discovered in the New World, the bedding plant that Americans commonly refer to as the marigold. It was confusing to have two common garden plants with the same name, so now we use the name marigold for the species Tagetes and calendula for the wonderful, but almost forgotten, plant formally known as the marigold.

For a long time the beautiful little calendula has taken a backseat in ornamental gardens as the other marigold was developed into hundreds of varieties and sold by the millions in every garden center. I am happy to report that the calendula is finally getting some attention from plant breeders and new varieties that are coming on the market are sure to spark interest in it's use as an ornamental.

Growing Calendula

Calendula is extremely easy to grow. The seeds are usually planted where they are to grow, but they can be started inside. Outside, plant seeds 2-3 weeks before the average last frost in your area. If planting inside, start them about six weeks before your expected last frost. Cover the seeds lightly and keep them moist. They bloom quickly from seed, often as soon as six weeks after planting, in clear shades of orange and yellow. The flower is daisy-like and 2-4 inches in size.

Calendula flowers open in the day and close at night or in bad weather. They prefer cool weather and tend to sulk or die in hot humid weather, which may be why the other marigold became so popular. Breeders are working to make calendula a more heat tolerant plant, and there are some new varieties that will bloom in warm areas. Calendulas also need to have the flowers picked off as they fade, or they will quit blooming. They are an annual plant, but they will re-seed freely in the garden, and you will get new plants each year if you let some go to seed. Calendula grows to about 18 inches high and branches freely. You can plant calendula seed in early July, as well as early spring, and have beautiful early fall flowers. Calendula prefers full sun and average soil moisture. Little or no fertilizer will is needed.

Choosing Varieties

Calendula flowers seem to glow or shine, the colors are so vivid, and they are wonderful in flower arrangements. For a long time calendulas were always a solid color but recently plant breeders

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