Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Ball’s Orange Calendula is an annual plant with bright orange flowers that can be used for decorative cut flowers or for its traditionally utilized plant properties for salves, tinctures and teas. Also known as pot marigold, this beautiful plant blooms from late spring to early fall and is adored by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The daisy-like flowers can be single or double, measure up to 3 inches in diameter, and grow upon branching stems that can reach up to 2 feet in height. The flavor of the dried flowers is similar to a mild saffron and can be used for natural coloring in butter or cheese. The flowers have also been traditionally used as a dye for fabrics or cosmetics as well.
NAME: Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
VARIETY: Ball’s Orange
DAYS TO MATURITY: 55 – 65 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 2 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Sun
SOIL: Well-draining soil with a pH 6.2 – 7.0
SPACING: 12 – 18 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 18 – 24 inches
TEMP: 50 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before your last local spring frost
Sow seeds into cell trays 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil temperatures around 60-70ºF
Germination should occur in 5 to 10 days
Once seedlings emerge, thin seedlings to one seedling per cell
Before transplanting outdoors or into permanent pots, harden off seedlings for a week. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process)
When transplanting, space the plants 12-16 inches apart
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch below the surface 1 to 2 weeks after your last local spring frost or in the early fall
Space seeds 2 inches apart
Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge
Germination will occur in 7 to 12 days
Once seedlings emerge, thin sprouts to 6 inches apart; when seedlings are a few inches tall thin them again to 12 to 18 inches apart
Calendula can grow in most soil types but prefers an average, well-draining soil located in full sun or partially shaded areas
Calendula does not like to be overwatered, once plants are 12 inches tall emerge, it only needs to be watered when the soil is bone dry
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Pinch back leggy growth to promote bushier plants and more flower production.
It is possible to grow this plant in large containers if desired
Harvest Ball’s Orange Calendula flowers when they are fully open but before they start to wilt or discolor.
Gently pinch or cut the flower stems just above a set of leaves.
Calendula flowers can be used fresh in arrangements, dried for culinary or medicinal purposes, or infused into oils, salves, and other topical products.
Regular harvesting encourages more flowers to bloom, prolonging the flowering period throughout the growing season.
