Growing calendula

Calendula is in the same family as daisies and chrysanthemums and the resemblance can be seen in their daisy-like flowers. The plants will bloom throughout the season. The leaves are slightly fussy and not the most attractive part of the plants. Although the petals have a lightly bitter flavor, they have no fragrance. They’re used in all kinds of recipes, from butter to wine, but they are mostly favored for their intense color.

Calendula can be direct seeded in the spring or even summer or they can be started indoors as transplants. They’re very easy maintenance and once established in your garden, they will self-seed, but they don’t generally become a nusiance.

Rich soil and a full sun location will keep your calendula blooming, although they will adapt to most any soil conditions. Calendula will slow down in extreme heat and warmer climates will have more success growing them as fall or early spring flowers. In more temperate areas, watering regularly will help keep them going in the peak of summer and your calendula will bloom until frost.