Calendula

Calendula officinalis

Also known as Garden marigold, Calendula aurantiaca, Calendula officinalis f. pleniflora, Calendula hydruntina

Zones 3–10Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low

Native Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Edible Flowers · Medicinal · Herb · Annual · Pollinator · Cut Flower · Orange · Garden · Cottage · Calendula

Beginner-friendlyMedicinalAttracts pollinators

Toxicity: dogs, cats — keep out of reach and wear gloves when pruning.

In stock at 3 nurseriesStock updated 9/10/2026

Calendula is a cheerful, easy-to-grow annual or short-lived perennial that blooms prolifically in cool weather with bright orange and yellow flowers. Plant it in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-draining soil and deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Its petals are edible and widely used in herbal skincare, teas, and salves.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 6 hours
Watering: Water until soil is evenly moist; avoid waterlogging and overhead watering · Every 5-7 days
Maintenance: Low
Soil: loam
Soil pH: 6.5–7
Temperature: -20°F to 90°F
Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Seed, Division

Hardiness

USDA 3a-10b

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Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 12 in – 6 ft
Spread: 3 ft
Spacing: 12 in apart
Growth rate: Moderate
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: No
Foliage: Medium

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Assam, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Borneo, British Columbia, Bulgaria, California, Canary Is., Central European Rus, Chatham Is.
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies

Sources: trefle, usda, aspca