How to Grow Calendula

Updated June 2026

A cool-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Calendula is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Calendula is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the calendula page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Pacific Beauty, Long-stemmed mixed colors (Botanical Interests)
• Resina, High-resin type for salves (Strictly Medicinal)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 10 in between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 0.8 gal per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 8 in+.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, Powdery mildew and Leaf spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Calendula is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant calendula where you garden.

See also: Calendula in the plant library →

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