Alpha Calendula
Calendula officinalis • Organic
Gorgeous, huge, punchy, big daisy-like blooms. Medicinal & edible. All-star companion plant.
Massive, juicy blooms look more like Gerber daisies than pot marigolds. Their extra resin is great for medicinal use in tea or salves and smells like heaven in bouquets.
JOY MAX SCALE ✦✦✦✦✦
✦ Edible bright orange blooms are 2–3.5" across, reminiscent of gerberas. They look beautiful in the garden, bouquets or shredded and added to salads or bowls
✦ The flower petals of the Calendula plant have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. It has been shown to speed the healing of wounds, where it appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. This calendula contains even more resin than other varieties.
✦ Once established, calendula is carefree in cool weather and will self-sow for new flower season after season
✦ Potager Garden All Star
✦ Open-Pollinated
Cutting flowers: For maximum vase life, harvest when flowers are half open. For eating: Harvest once the flowers are fully open and pull petals off before using in dishes. Do not eat the calyx or flower centers.
Basic Growing Information
Calendula can be direct-seeded outdoors in cool temperatures or started indoors. The small seeds should be planted 1/4” deep, and kept well watered while awaiting germination which should occur within 7-14 days. If starting indoors, allow plants to grow to a height of 3-4” and show first leaves before setting outside. Give plants 12” of space to reach their full size and potential.
Tips for Growing Calendula
• Calendula is adaptable to a range of soils and light conditions. Will thrive and produce more flowers with full sun and rich, fertile soil.
• For pretty, plump, happy, foliage, wait to direct sow until temps are in the mid-60s to low 70s. The flowers bloom best in cooler weather with low humidity.
• Treat for powdery mildew using my insecticide soap spray. Once it gets warm outside, keeping calendula looking good becomes difficult. You can cut them down to the ground and they will grow back healthier. Once they look like dry sticks, they are done.
• If flowers aren’t harvested, keep them deadheaded for maximum bloom action.
• Repels a number of unwanted soil nematodes and asparagus beetles, but may attract slugs and snails.
• Set out your transplants so they grow in clumped masses for maximum visual impact.
Companion Planting
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, carrots, asparagus, greens, lettuces, really anything grows well with calendula
Seed Saving
Calendula seeds are curved like little brown fingernails. They are easy to collect from dry flower heads, just pull them from the plant, rub in your fingers until they come apart, and store in a cool, dry place.