Calendula Growing Guide
Growing Calendula is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Flower
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Calendula?
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Your Calendula Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Calendula's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
0.5 cm
Seeding Depth
20 cm
Plant Spacing
30 cm
Row Spacing
4
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
Yes – Trellis.
Method: Trellis.
Succession Planting
Yes.
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Calendula thrives in full sunlight, so plant it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun each day.
- 2Water regularly but ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- 3Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, and space plants about 12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent disease.
- 4For pest control, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, and consider using neem oil if aphids or other pests become a problem.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~50
Days to Maturity
50 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
45 days
When to Pick
Harvest flowers when fully open
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest Calendula when the flowers are fully open and vibrant, ideally in the morning after the dew has dried.
- 2Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stems just above a set of leaves to encourage more blooms.
- 3Avoid pulling the flowers to prevent damaging the plant.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your Calendula plant is easy and rewarding! Once the flowers fade and the petals drop, you’ll notice the seed heads forming—these look like little curled, spiky rings. Wait until they turn brown and dry on the plant, then gently pluck them off. Simply break apart the seed heads to collect the seeds inside. Let the seeds dry for a few days in a cool, airy spot, then store them in a paper envelope or a glass jar in a dry, dark place until you’re ready to plant again. You’ve got this—saving seeds is a wonderful way to keep your garden growing year after year!
Seed Production
Feeling inspired?
Grow Calendula from seed.
A bright orange edible flower with a long history. Buy a pack and get started.
$2.25
CAD
In Stock
