Calendula Seeds

Also known as Pot Marigold, Calendulas are a prolific, easy to grow annual flower. Shades of gold burst forth on long stems making them a wonderful cut flower variety. Eden Brothers' Geisha Girl Calendula Seeds, Pink Surprise Calendula Seeds, Pacific Beauty Yellow Calendula Seeds, and Nova Calendula Seeds are just a few of the many variety of calendula seeds that we offer to bring this ray of golden blooms to your garden.

• 18 calendula seed varieties
• Extremely popular and reliable annual
• Attracts butterflies and bees
• Makes excellent, long-lasting flowers

Calendula, well known as one of the ornamental marigolds, offers stunning colors and depth to any flower bed or garden. These easy-to-grow, pollinator-attracting flowers favor full sun exposure and have long been beloved for their prolific bloom. Blooming throughout the long season, it received its name from the Latin Calends meaning "throughout the months", hence the English word calendar. These blooms are native to Eurasia and North Africa and are a great selection for beds, borders, rock gardens, mass plantings, and even vegetable or herb gardens!

When planting your calendula seeds, start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost or sow directly in the garden just before the last frost date. Be sure to choose a planting site with average, moderately fertile, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Light shade can be tolerated in hot summer areas. Press seeds on top of the soil, about eight to ten inches apart, and spread 1/4 inch layer of soil over them. Mist the seeds until the top 1/2 inch is moist. Keep plants moist and add compost around the base of established plants. Young plants may be pinched back to promote compact, bushy growth. Deadhead your blooms and pick flowers to further encourage growth. Add flowers and leaves to soups, salads, or rice dishes!

In addition to calendula culinary use, it can also be used medicinally and has since at least the twelfth century. Calendula has antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The flower is often used to prevent muscle spasms, reduce fever, treat a sore throat or mouth, ease menstrual cramps, and to treat stomach ulcers. A common way to reap the many benefits of calendula is to prepare it as a tea. Steep dried calendula in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes, using the tea as a drink or as a mouth rinse for a sore mouth and/or throat. Other times calendula is used in the form of a simple extract, an oil, or a cream.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for calendula flower seed, see the Calendula Seeds Planting Guide.