Calendula 'Summer Sunset' boasts dazzling, double and crested blooms in vibrant sunset shades Ideal for beds, borders and containers, these pot marigolds will bloom in shades of orange, yellow, cream and apricot for a wonderful display of daisy-like blooms that last all summer These easy to grow hardy annuals are reliable and thrive on almost any soil, including coastal gardens Supplied as 1x Calendula officinalis 'Summer Sunset' seed packet (approx. 175 seeds) Supplied with T&M's very own cultural instructions on how to care for your seeds Calendula 'Summer Sunset' boasts dazzling, double and crested blooms in vibrant sunset shades. Ideal for beds, borders and containers, these pot marigolds will bloom in shades of orange, yellow, cream and apricot for a wonderful display of daisy-like blooms that will last all summer.
The nectar-rich blooms attract pollinating insects and they make great cut flowers too. These easy to grow hardy annuals are reliable and thrive on almost any soil, including coastal gardens. Culinary note: some parts of these flowers are edible.
The light peppery taste of the flowers can be added to breads for extra flavour with a touch of colour. Can also be used as a substitute for saffron when colouring rice dishes. Direct sow calendula seeds outdoors where they are to grow from April to May.
Choose a position in full sun on well-drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills spaced 30cm (12") apart and cover seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods.
Germination usually takes 5-10 days. When calendula seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12") apart. Alternatively, sow indoors from March to April at a temperature of 18-23C (65-73F).
When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. For winter or early spring flowering, sow calendula in late summer or early autumn and grow plants on in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Different growing conditions might vary results.
Image may be included for illustration of supply but can vary due to seasonality.