Calendula

Basic Information

Seed Number

33

Seed Name

Calendula

Variety

Oktoberfest

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

10–15 days

Harvest/Maturity

50–55 days to bloom

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

60-70°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

15-18 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

15-18 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during germination; moderate water after establishment

Soil Preference

Loose, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

2 gal

Plant Height

20-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

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: Well suited to cool spring and fall conditions. Sow in spring and again in late summer for fall bloom. Calendula flowering can slow during prolonged summer heat.
Germination: Cover seed approximately 1/4 inch deep and maintain consistent moisture.
Harvest: Cut flowers frequently once fully open. Oktoberfest produces deep-orange flowers on sturdy stems suited to cutting.
Seed Saving: Allow flower heads to turn dry and brown before collecting mature curved seeds. Nearby Calendula officinalis varieties can cross.
Special Care: Oktoberfest is a deep-orange cut-flower type with approximately 2.5-inch blooms and long sturdy stems.
Research Source: Burpee Oktoberfest Calendula retail listing — https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burpee-Oktoberfest-Calendula-Annual-Flower-Seed-1-Pack-Full-Sun/10524653486 — Oktoberfest annual habit, deep-orange 2.5-inch flowers, full sun and 50-55 day bloom time
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/calendula/calendula-key-growing-information.html — calendula germination, sowing depth, indoor start, succession sowing, spacing and light
Research Source: University of New Hampshire Extension — https://extension.unh.edu/resource/how-grow-calendula-calendula-officinalis — soil temperature, soil requirements and general calendula cultivation
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]