Calendula

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Calendula is one plant that looks good in the garden and great in a salad today on Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Calendula is called potmire gold and has daisy-like flowers that range in diameter from two to four inches. There are single, double, and Simi double forms. Colors range from bright yellows and oranges to subdued colors like apricots and cream. The petals are fantastic when mixed in with baby salad greens and can wake up any every day salad.

Calendula will grow up to thirty inches tall and wide. This is a good plant to attract butterflies so plant with food sources for the caterpillars like fennel or butterfly weed. Calendula is a good choice for a combination container. Try calendula and distichum for a feast for the eyes and the dinner table. Direct so the distichum and the calendula in the potting mix and add pansy and viola for a splash of color while the distichum and calendula develop.

In the landscape, plant in either full sun or partial shade in a mended well-drained soil. Once flowering, they will continue until frost in the fall. By mid-summer, the plants may look tired; so, prune back by half, and they will come back strong for the autumn show. Keep the soil moisture consistent and fertilize once a month using a good water soluble formulation. You can start seeds inside with your tomatoes and peppers about six weeks before the spring frost date for your area. Be sure to cover with potting media as the seeds will not germinate if exposed to light.

I am horticulturist Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.

Southern Gardening with Gary Bachman is produced by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.