Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives best in full sun but appreciates some light shade in very hot climates.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It grows very well in containers with good drainage.

Plant guide

Pot Marigold.

Calendula officinalis

Pronounced ka-LEN-dyoo-la oh-fis-ih-NAH-lis

Also known as Pot Marigold, Scotch marigold, Scotch-marigold, Scottish-marigold

Pot marigolds are cheerful, sun loving annuals that brighten up any garden space. They are famous for their vibrant, daisy like blooms and edible petals. These plants are quite hardy and thrive in cooler weather.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 60cm tall by 45cm wide
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 2 to 11
Bloom time: Early spring to first frost

Care

Plant in well draining soil and provide plenty of sunlight for the best blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage a longer flowering season. Watch for aphids or powdery mildew, especially if the air circulation is poor.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season.
Pruning: Regularly remove faded flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Repotting: As an annual, this plant is typically replaced each season rather than repotted.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -5 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Annual, typically 1 year.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: Calendula is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The plant is safe for children, though ingestion of large quantities is not recommended.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience skin irritation upon contact with the sap.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: Ensure plants are grown organically if you intend to use them for culinary purposes.

How to identify it

Bright orange or yellow daisy like flowers
Aromatic, lance shaped light green leaves
Sticky, resinous stems and foliage
Compact, bushy growth habit

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.45m
Leaves: bright green, deciduous
Flowers: orange, yellow, 5 to 10cm

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: In mild climates, it may survive the winter, but it is usually treated as an annual that dies back after a hard frost.
In containers: It is excellent for containers, provided the pot has drainage holes and is at least 20 centimeters deep.

Direct Sowing

Prepare a sunny spot with well draining soil.
Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring.
Cover lightly with soil and keep moist until germination.

Plant these near your vegetable garden to attract pollinators and keep pest populations in check.

Grows well with

Tomato · It helps deter pests from your vegetable crops.
Lettuce · It provides a colorful contrast and attracts beneficial insects.

Similar species

French Marigold · Often confused due to the common name marigold, but they belong to different genera.

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Calendula
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It is a hardy annual that readily self seeds in disturbed soils.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary garnish, medicinal salve base, cut flower, companion planting

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it thrives best in full sun but appreciates some light shade in very hot climates.
Can I grow it in a pot?: It grows very well in containers with good drainage.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Calendula refers to its tendency to bloom on the calends of each month, while officinalis denotes its historical use in medicine.

Good to know

Calendula flowers track the sun across the sky.
The name comes from the Latin word kalendae, meaning little calendar, because it blooms throughout the year.
Petals are often used as a cheaper alternative to saffron for coloring food.

Keep your pot marigold growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.