Product Details
An early bloomer and runaway favorite in our trials, brilliant Calendula officinalis ‘Neon’ began blossoming in June, its burgundy buds opening into fragrant 1½-2” double flowers with radiant orange petals detailed with burnt sienna tips and undersides and a chocolate brown center. Plants may take a pause in high heat, but gardeners can deadhead to keep the flowers coming into fall. The drought-tolerant, deer-resistant blooms are not only a bright addition to gardens, they are superb for cut-flower bouquets. The edible flower petals can be sprinkled on salads, soups, omelets, and many other dishes to add fresh color and a mild flavor.
Commonly referred to as Marigolds (not to be confused with the popular bedding plants of the genus Tagetes), the roughly 15-20 species of the genus Calendula are native to Western Europe, the Mediterranean, Southwestern Asia, and the islands off the western coast of Africa and Europe. C. officinalis is by far the most well-known of the species, having been cultivated in England in the days of Shakespeare, and today it may be found in gardens worldwide. An annual that tolerates frost, these Pot Marigolds or Garden Marigolds brighten flower beds and borders with colorful, single to double blossoms over a long season, especially when they are sown in succession or allowed to self-sow. They are an ideal choice for cut flower gardens, herb gardens, cottage gardens, and container plantings. They also make excellent additions to vegetable gardens, where they not only attract pollinators and beneficial insects but lure away and trap certain pests (e.g., aphids) while repelling harmful nematodes in the soil. C. officinalis has a wide range of uses beyond the horticultural. As an edible plant, the flower petals of Pot Marigold, also sometimes called Poor Man’s Saffron, are used for flavoring soups and stews (hence the reference to pots), as garnishes, and in tea blends, while the aromatic leaves may be added to salads. The colorful petals also serve as a dyeing agent for foods, fabrics, and cosmetics. Because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, C. officinalis is a well-known medicinal plant used since historical times in tinctures, salves, and lotions.
For information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: cuh-len' du-luh
Commonly referred to as Marigolds (not to be confused with the popular bedding plants of the genus Tagetes), the roughly 15-20 species of the genus Calendula are native to Western Europe, the Mediterranean, Southwestern Asia, and the islands off the western coast of Africa and Europe. An annual that tolerates frost, these Pot Marigolds or Garden Marigolds brighten flower beds and borders with colorful, single to double blossoms over a long season, especially when they are sown in succession or allowed to self-sow. They are an ideal choice for cut flower gardens, herb gardens, cottage gardens, and container plantings, as well as for attracting butterflies.
Calendula grows best planted in full sun and in well-drained soil that is rich with organic matter but will tolerate average soil. It thrives when planted in a group (of 6 or more plants). This short-lived annual may stop blooming in the heat of midsummer but will resume once the weathers cools. Provide plenty of water when first establishing plants and in periods of dry weather. Deadhead to encourage continuous new blooms and pinch plants when young if a more compact habit is desired. Perennial in zones 9-11.