Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant and versatile annual that brings cheerful color and practical benefits to any garden. With its bright orange and yellow daisy-like blooms, calendula is more than just a pretty face—it’s a fascinating herb with a long history of medicinal, culinary, and ornamental use.

Easy to grow and quick to bloom, calendula is a favorite among pollinator-friendly gardeners and herbalists alike. It thrives in a variety of climates and offers months of color and activity. From beds and borders to container plantings and cutting gardens, calendula is a welcome guest in any sunny spot.

Soil (pH) Requirements

Calendula is not fussy and adapts well to most garden soils. However, it prefers well-drained, moderately rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It tolerates poor or sandy soils better than heavy, clay-like ones.
Tips for Best Results

• Amend soil with compost to boost nutrients and drainage.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth over flowers.
• Ensure good airflow to prevent powdery mildew in humid areas.

Sun Requirements

Calendula loves sunshine. For the most vigorous growth and abundant flowering, plant calendula in full sun—at least six hours of direct light daily.
Sunlight Adaptation
In hot southern climates, it may benefit from light afternoon shade to extend blooming. In cooler regions, it flourishes best with full exposure from dawn to dusk.

Watering Requirements

Calendula prefers moderate moisture, with consistent watering that keeps the soil slightly moist but never soggy.
Watering Tips

• Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Cut back watering in rainy weather or as temperatures cool.

Once established, calendula is moderately drought-tolerant, making it a practical choice for low-water gardens.

Best Plant Hardiness Zones

Calendula is typically grown as an annual, though in USDA Zones 8 to 10, it may overwinter and reseed. In most parts of the country, it’s best sown in early Spring or Fall, depending on the local climate.
General Guidelines
Zones 2–7: Plant after last frost; blooms from Spring to Fall.
Zones 8–10: Fall plantings may bloom through Winter.
In frost-free climates, calendula may bloom almost year-round.

Calendula’s Versatility and Pollinator Appeal

Calendula’s popularity is well-earned. Beyond its glowing color palette, it’s a pollinator favorite, a companion plant, and an herbal multitasker.
Popular Uses

• Herbal salves and teas (flowers are known for their soothing and antiseptic properties)
• Edible flower garnishes for salads, cakes, and teas
• Natural dye for crafts or cooking
• Pollinator garden focal point
• Companion plant to repel aphids and nematodes

Calendula flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making them especially attractive to:

• Honeybees
• Native solitary bees
• Hoverflies (which also eat aphids)
• Butterflies (especially smaller species like skippers)

Their long blooming season means pollinators enjoy a consistent food source, especially in early Spring and late Fall when other blooms are scarce.

Five Cheerful and Useful Calendula Varieties

Pacific Beauty Mix

One of the most popular garden mixes, Pacific Beauty offers a sunny blend of orange, yellow, apricot, and cream blooms. The large, semi-double flowers bloom early and heavily.

Popular Uses

• Mass plantings for long-lasting color
• Herbal skin care (petals are rich in soothing compounds)
• Cutting gardens and mixed bouquets

Pollinator Bonus: Its open-faced flowers make nectar and pollen easily accessible to bees and hoverflies, encouraging constant garden activity.

Best Zones: 2–10

Resina

Resina is the go-to variety for medicinal gardeners. It’s been bred for high resin content, which means stronger therapeutic properties in the petals. The blooms are bright golden-orange and smaller than ornamental types.

Popular Uses

• Herbal salves, balms, and infused oils
• Tinctures and skin remedies
• Dried-flower crafting

Pollinator Bonus: A powerhouse for native bees and honeybees, who love its simple, single-petaled blooms.

Best Zones: 3–9

Touch of Red Buff

This unique cultivar adds a subtle elegance with its creamy peach petals tinged with red or bronze, especially toward the petal base. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more muted color palette.

Popular Uses

• Specialty floral arrangements
• Culinary garnishes with visual flair
• Gentle garden color for cottage-style planting

Pollinator Bonus: While not as bold in color, its subtle tones still draw hoverflies and butterflies, particularly when planted en masse.

Best Zones: 3–9

Radio

Radio calendula is known for its quilled petals, giving each bloom a spiky, almost chrysanthemum-like appearance. The bright orange color is vibrant and attention-grabbing.

Popular Uses

• Bold visual statement in borders and pollinator gardens
• Drying for floral crafts
• Nectar source in mixed wildflower patches

Pollinator Bonus: The uniquely textured flowers are a favorite perch for smaller bees and hoverflies.

Best Zones: 2–9

Snow Princess

A rare white-flowered calendula, Snow Princess brings a softer look to the garden. Its pale ivory blooms and slightly ruffled edges pair well with pastel borders.

Popular Uses

• Light-toned cottage gardens
• Soft floral arrangements
• Attracting pollinators in early Spring

Pollinator Bonus: Despite its pale color, it remains rich in nectar and draws butterflies and bees, particularly in Spring.

Best Zones: 3–9