How to grow Calendula in New Zealand
Calendula, or pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), is a tough, cheerful annual with apricot, yellow and orange daisy flowers that brighten the garden through the cooler months. The petals are edible and are dried for teas, oils and balms, and the flowers bring hoverflies and bees into the vege garden. It is easy from seed and self-seeds once you have it.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Calendula in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to April | Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. |
| Otago & Southland | August to April | Sow Aug to Apr. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to late October. Get the last sowing in by Apr so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | August to April | Sow Aug to Apr. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to early November. Get the last sowing in by Apr so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: Marigold (Tagetes), the strongly scented French and African marigolds, a different plant also used as a companion.
Where to plant
Grow calendula in full sun in ordinary, well-drained soil. It is hardy and flowers through cool weather, which makes it valuable in autumn, winter and spring. Spacing plants 20 to 30 cm apart lets air move between them and helps keep powdery mildew off the leaves.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the central North Island, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow from August to October and from January to April.
- Canterbury: sow from August through to April, keeping sowings in November and December well watered.
- Otago and Southland and Central Otago: sow from August to April, covering early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, and get the last sowing in by April.
Choosing a variety
- Nova: bright orange single daisies that flower hard and self-seed, a favourite companion plant.
- Tall Double Mix and Pacific Beauty: taller semi-double to double flowers in orange, yellow, peach and cream, good for cutting.
- Dwarf mixes such as Dwarf Colours Mix: compact plants for pots and edging.
How to plant
- Sow seed directly where it is to flower, or in trays, about 0.5 to 1 cm deep.
- Keep moist; seedlings appear in 7 to 14 days.
- Thin or transplant to 20 to 30 cm apart.
- Water in and mulch, keeping mulch clear of the stems.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil moderately moist until plants are established, then water in dry spells. Calendula needs little feeding in ordinary soil.
Pruning and care through the year
- Deadhead often to keep the flowers coming.
- Let a few flower heads mature and drop seed where you want calendula to come back.
- Pull out plants badly affected by powdery mildew late in the season.
Harvesting
Pick flowers as they open fully, on a dry morning. For drying, spread the petals or whole heads on a screen or paper in an airy spot out of the sun until crisp, then store them in a sealed jar, where they last for months.
Growing in pots
Calendula grows well in a pot at least 20 cm wide with good drainage, in full sun. Keep the mix moderately moist and deadhead regularly. Dwarf varieties suit pots best.
Using it
Scatter fresh petals over salads, rice and soups for colour, or use dried petals in teas or infused in oil for homemade balms. Calendula flowers also make a short-lived cut flower.
Companion planting
Calendula is grown through the vege garden to bring in hoverflies, bees and other beneficial insects.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Calendula is easy, though powdery mildew is common late in the season.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on stems and flower buds.
- Slugs Seedlings chewed and silvery trails.
- Spider mite Yellow mottling or bronzing of leaves, distorted buds and fine webbing in hot, dry weather.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on the leaves, worst late in the season and in crowded plantings.
- Rust Orange pustules on leaves or stems.
- Leaf spot Brown spots on the leaves; remove affected leaves.
Common questions
Is calendula the same as marigold?
No. Calendula is sometimes called pot marigold, but it is a different plant from the French and African marigolds (Tagetes). Both are useful companion flowers.
When do I sow calendula in New Zealand?
In most regions from August to October and January to April. In Canterbury and the south you can sow from August right through to April.
Can you eat calendula?
Yes, the petals are edible. Scatter them fresh over salads or dry them for teas and infused oils.
Does calendula come back every year?
It is an annual, but it self-seeds readily, so it usually comes back if you leave some flowers to set seed.
How do I stop powdery mildew on calendula?
Space plants 20 to 30 cm apart for airflow, water the soil rather than the leaves, and pull out badly affected plants late in the season.
How do I keep calendula flowering?
Deadhead often and water in dry spells. It flowers for months, especially through the cooler seasons.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow calendula; Yates NZ: Common problems of calendula; Kings Seeds: Calendula Nova; Kings Seeds: Organic Calendula Tall Double Mix.