Calendula – Fancy Mix

Calendula officinalis – Fancy Mix

• Growing Temp 50°F – 75°F

• Days to Maturity 45-60 days

Bright, cheerful, and easy to cultivate: Fancy Mix Calendula is a beautiful blend of yellow, orange, and apricot-colored flowers with ruffled petals. It is an easy-to-grow, cool-season flower that thrives in various soil conditions and attracts beneficial pollinators. The edible petals can be used in salads, teas, and herbal remedies, making it both a decorative and practical addition to any garden.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall blooms. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 6–12 inches apart in well-draining soil. Calendula germinates in 7–14 days and prefers full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil evenly moist during the early growth stages. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and encourage continuous production.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: For an earlier start, begin seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Use seed trays with a light potting mix and plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Maintain temperatures around 60–70°F and provide adequate light. Once seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, harden them off before transplanting outdoors. Space plants 6–12 inches apart in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

Harvesting: Calendula flowers should be harvested when fully open. Pick blooms in the morning once the dew has dried for the best quality. Regular harvesting encourages more blooms and prevents the plant from going to seed too early. Use fresh petals for salads or dry them for teas, infused oils, or skincare applications. Removing spent flowers ensures prolonged blooming throughout the season.