Organic Alpha Calendula Seeds

Alpha Calendula, also called Pot Marigold, is a beautiful cut flower with medicinal uses. It has edible blooms and is a valuable healing herb. Large double-blooms can grow to 3 ½ inches! On our farm, we use calendula to make a cream that treats cuts and burns. Best planted in fall in Zones 9 and 10 to establish during cool weather. Enjoy bright orange blooms from spring through summer. Harvest flowers often to prolong the growing season. 

Planting by Zones 

Zones 9-10 

• Calendula can be grown almost year-round in mild areas of Zones 9 and 10. For Zones 9 and 10, it is best planted in the fall to establish during cool weather. You can also start calendula seeds in early spring to bloom as soon as the days lengthen and warm up. Blooms in spring through summer. 

Zones 2-8 

• Sow indoors, 2-3 weeks before the last frost. 

Planting Calendula Seeds 

• We recommend that you transplant calendula into the garden after beginning seeds in starter pots. Place the seed on top of quality seed starting soil. Slightly press seeds into moist seed starting mix and cover with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil. Mist gently to water the seeds. Do not water with a heavy spray as this will cover the seeds with displaced soil.  
• Plant in a full sun location. 

Growing Calendula 

• For continuous production, prune dead stems. 
• Calendula reseeds easily. 

Growing Calendula in Containers 

• Calendula is beautifully grown in containers; make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.  

Harvesting Alpha Calendula 

• Cut calendula flowers in the early morning for the freshest and longest-lasting cut blooms. Use in dishes, drinks, and salads to add a pop of color. 
• Calendula has been used for centuries as an antifungal and anti-inflammatory herb. Calendula oil is often used to relieve skin irritations such as diaper rashes and eczema. Alpha calendula has a high resin content making it a popular variety of calendula for medicinal uses. Learn how to make calendula cream here. 

Southern California Pro-tips 

• Mulch heavily to ensure the soil stays cool and well-watered. 
• DO NOT overhead water as this promotes disease. 
• Deadhead to encourage more blooms. 
• Protect your crop during heat spells with shade cloth or row cover. 

Companion Flowers/Crops 

• Plant Alpha calendula alongside other beneficial flowering herbs. We suggest borage, hyssop, echinacea, and yarrow. Shop all medicinal herb seeds here! 

Additional Learning Resources 

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics! For the best results and quickly germinating seeds, always use a high-quality soil like our Seed Starting Mix
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page! 

• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to garden crops at the UC Integrated Pest Management site. 

*We recommend you consult your healthcare professional before using any medicinal herb.