Cheerful orange or yellow daisy-flowered annual that self-seeds reliably and flowers from late spring until hard frost. A traditional companion plant in vegetable gardens.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 2–11 | −45.6 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 2–9 | −40 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–7 | −15 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Calendula (Pot marigold) doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
About Calendula (Pot marigold)
Calendula is often called pot marigold, which causes lasting confusion with the French and African marigolds — a different genus entirely. The name comes from the Latin for the first day of the month, a reference to how persistently it flowers. Petals were once used as a cheap substitute for saffron to colour butter, cheese and broth, though they contribute colour rather than saffron flavour. It is an annual that self-seeds freely and tolerates cool conditions, often flowering on into late autumn and starting again very early, which is why it appears so frequently in cottage and kitchen gardens.
Growing notes
- Forage for hoverflies and lacewings — both important aphid predators
- Edible petals, traditional addition to salads and rice dishes
- Skin-healing herb — a key ingredient in traditional salves and creams
- Distinct from French marigold (Tagetes) despite the shared common name
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Calendula (Pot marigold) against your zones