Calendula – Fancy Mix

Calendula, commonly known as Pot Marigold, is a hardy annual flower renowned for its cheerful blooms, herbal benefits, and versatility in the garden. While not a true marigold (Tagetes genus), it is often affectionately referred to as an old-fashioned marigold due to its similar appearance and widespread historic use.

Calendula thrives in cooler climates and performs especially well in regions like the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where mild winters and damp springs allow it to self-seed and return year after year. Although classified as an annual, Calendula can behave like a short-lived perennial in USDA hardiness zones 7–10, especially when fall-planted. In these zones, seeds sown in autumn often overwinter and bloom earlier the following spring.

The Fancy Mix variety offers a vibrant blend of yellow, orange, and apricot-colored blooms, making it an eye-catching choice for cut flower arrangements, cottage gardens, and pollinator habitats. Calendula flowers are not just ornamental—they are also edible. The petals can be added to salads, herbal teas, or baked goods, bringing a splash of color and a mildly tangy flavor. Calendula has also been used traditionally in herbal remedies and skincare products for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula grows best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. While it can be started indoors, it tends to perform better when direct-seeded outdoors, where it establishes stronger roots and blooms more vigorously. Once planted, Calendula requires minimal care, though it can be susceptible to aphids and powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions or crowded plantings. Proper spacing and good air circulation help minimize these issues.

Whether you’re growing it for its beauty, herbal value, or culinary use, Calendula is a rewarding, multipurpose plant that brings lasting charm to any garden.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 60 – 75 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 30 pounds per acre.