Introducing...
Calendula
Common name: Pot marigold
These easy-to-grow hardy annuals flower from summer through to early autumn, making them a great choice for summer borders and containers. The flowers are good for cutting, have edible petals and are also used by herbalists to make skincare products. Plants often self-seed from year to year.
Looks
Calendulas produce a profusion of daisy-like single or double flowers on low, bushy plants with slightly hairy, aromatic foliage. The flowers are usually bright orange, but also come in cream, pastel yellow or pale orange, sometimes with a contrasting dark centre.
Likes
Calendulas are unfussy plants that do well in most ordinary garden soil, including poor, dry soil. They flower best in full sun, but also tolerate light shade.
Dislikes
Very wet, overly fertile soil leads to poor growth. Plants will not flower in deep shade.
Did you know?
Calendula flowers are edible and have a slightly peppery flavour. The petals add colour to salads, soups and many other dishes.
Growing guide
How to grow calendula
All the information you'll need to grow and care for your Calendula can be found in the RHS Guide to growing annuals and biennials
Calendulas we recommend
Calendula officinalis Fiesta Gitana Group
marigold Fiesta Gitana Group
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Calendula officinalis
common marigold
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince' (Prince Series)
marigold 'Indian Prince'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Calendula officinalis Fiesta Gitana Group
marigold Fiesta Gitana Group
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Calendula officinalis
common marigold
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince' (Prince Series)
marigold 'Indian Prince'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Cut flowers: growing and selection
Edible flowers
Hardy annuals: sowing in autumn
Hardy annuals: sowing in spring
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.