Calendula

Basic Information

Seed Number

32

Seed Name

Calendula

Variety

Pacific Beauty

Category

Medicinal

Plant Family

Asteraceae

Plant Type

Calendula / pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 1

Last Recommended Planting Date

Aug 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July, August

Indoor Start

Apr 1 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

Apr 15 – Aug 15

Transplant

Apr 20 – May 31

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

5 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not recorded

Germination Days

7–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

45–60 days to first bloom

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

60-70°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

8-12 in

Row Spacing

16-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

8-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during establishment; moderate water thereafter

Soil Preference

Loose, well-drained soil; moderate fertility

Minimum Container Size

1-2 gal

Plant Height

18-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 1 – Jun 15; Aug 1 – Aug 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 45–60 days to bloom
Perennial?: No; may self-seed
Succession / Reusable Notes: Excellent reusable pollinator/medicinal flower.
Zone 6B Notes: Deadhead for more blooms; tolerates cool weather.
Companion Plants: Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, beans, carrots, brassicas, herbs, strawberries
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Very hot/dry midsummer beds without water
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Calendula performs especially well during cool spring and fall weather in Southeast Michigan. Make successive sowings every 2-3 weeks and consider another sowing in late summer for fall flowers.
Germination: Seed germinates reliably in cool to moderate soil. Cover approximately 1/4 inch deep and keep moist until emergence.
Harvest: Harvest flowers frequently when fully open. Regular cutting and deadheading encourage continued bloom.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower heads to dry completely. Pacific Beauty is commonly sold as an open-pollinated mix, but nearby calendula varieties can cross and alter future color proportions.
Special Care: Pacific Beauty Mix is known for long stems, mixed yellow/orange/apricot shades, container suitability and pollinator attraction.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/calendula-pacific-beauty-mix — Pacific Beauty variety characteristics, long blooming season, pollinator attraction, container and cut-flower suitability
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/calendula/calendula-key-growing-information.html — 7-14 day germination, 70°F germination, 1/4-inch depth, 4-5 week indoor start, succession sowing and spacing
Research Source: University of New Hampshire Extension — https://extension.unh.edu/resource/how-grow-calendula-calendula-officinalis — 60°F soil temperature, soil, planting depth and maturity range
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]