Calendula, or pot marigold, is a cheerful cool-season annual bearing bright orange and yellow daisy-like flowers on bushy, aromatic plants. Easy to grow and fast to flower, it brightens Indian winter gardens in pots, borders and beds. Beyond its ornamental value, calendula petals are edible and the flower is widely used in herbal salves, teas and skincare for its soothing properties. It thrives in full sun and average soil, blooming generously from late autumn through spring. Reliable, useful and undemanding, calendula is a favourite for both flower beds and home herb gardens.
Specifications
| Family |
Asteraceae |
| Native region |
Southern Europe / Mediterranean |
| Mature height |
30-60 cm |
| Mature spread |
25-40 cm |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Soft, aromatic, light-green leaves |
| Flower colour |
Orange, yellow, apricot, cream |
| Flower season |
Winter to spring |
| Climate zone |
Cool-season annual |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Watering |
Moderate; water when top soil dries |
| Soil / mix |
Average, well-drained soil |
| Temperature |
Cool, 10-25 C |
| Humidity |
Low to moderate |
| Fertilizer |
Light feed every 3-4 weeks |
| Pruning |
Deadhead to prolong flowering |
| Repotting |
Annual; sow direct or transplant once |
| Propagation |
Seed |
| Pests & problems |
Aphids, powdery mildew |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic; petals edible |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Grown for cheerful winter colour, edible petals and herbal skincare and tea uses. A useful dual-purpose plant for both flower beds and home herb gardens.
Growing tips
Sow directly or transplant from October in full sun; deadhead often to keep flowers coming and harvest blooms on dry mornings for herbal and culinary use.