Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a cheerful and versatile flowering herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It grows into an upright, bushy plant reaching approximately 30–60cm in height and produces masses of vibrant orange blooms over a long flowering season.
These seeds come from our specially selected strain grown at KoruKai Herb Farm, where we have carefully bred for intensely orange, large flower heads that are ideal for herbal preparations, infused oils, salves, and skin care products. The fragrant flowers are also highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects and flower for much of the year in our mild climate.
Calendula is one of the easiest and most rewarding medicinal herbs to grow, thriving in both garden beds and pots.
.jpg)
Growing Instructions
Calendula grows best in full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. While it appreciates fertile soil, it is also adaptable and will grow well in poorer soils. In richer soils, plants tend to become larger and more vigorous.
Each package contains seeds along with a small amount of dried flower head material. Simply sprinkle the entire contents onto a seed tray filled with moist seed-raising mix. Lightly cover with additional seed mix and keep consistently moist during germination.
Seeds usually germinate within 7–14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out the strongest plants and transplant them into the garden with approximately 30cm diagonal spacing between plants.
Water well during the first two weeks after transplanting and apply a generous layer of mulch to help retain moisture and support healthy soil life.
.jpg)
Harvest flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. For future seed saving, allow some of the best flowers to mature fully on the plant and collect the seeds once they have dried and turned brown.
Image below: Calendula flowers at KoruKai Herb Farm. They get picked every second day over the summer season. Then dried and infused into oils or blended into herbal teas.
Image below: Honey bee doing her job.
Image below: Wonderful orange medicinal oil made with KoruKai calendula flowers.
