Plant Pot Marigolds to Attract Butterflies to Your Butterfly Garden!

Pot Marigold, also known as Calendula (Calendula officinalis), is a non-native, traditional flower in the aster family. Originally from Europe, Pot Marigolds are known throughout the world as an ornamental and medicinal plant. The edible flower petals are often used in salads, teas, and dyes.

Butterflies and bees favor this North American heirloom plant for its nectar and pollen. Pot Marigold is a good container plant It is grown as an annual, but it flowers from summer through autumn and even into cold weather.

Characteristics of Pot Marigold ‘Pacific Beauty’

‘Pacific Beauty’ Calendula sports single to double flowers. It blooms in a cheery range of colors, including orange, apricot, gold, yellow, and cream. They will even bloom into the winter.

Calendula requires little care once established. It performs well in a variety of soils. Marigolds like moderate water, and will usually reseed themselves unless the flower heads are cut off. Over-watering may reduce blooms, while deadheading enhances continuous blooming.

Calendula grows 1-2′ tall. It prefers full sun but can do well in dappled shade. In fact, light shade may be beneficial in Southern heat, where the flowers may wilt in deep summer.

Starting Calendula Seeds – Pot Marigold ‘Pacific Beauty’

You can fall plant Marigolds in mild locations, or sow Calendula seeds directly in the early spring, even before the last frost. Sow 1/4″ deep outdoors and keep moist.  Seeds can be started indoors if desired. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, and keep moist and cool around 60-70 F. Calendula seeds germinate in about 7-14 days. Darkness may aid germination until they sprout, then place the seedlings in bright light. Space plants about 12-18″ apart.

Calendula seeds grow easily and produce beautiful, cheery gold flowers. They attract butterflies and other pollinators to your Butterfly Garden!