Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Calendula

Species:

Calendula officinalis

USDA Symbol:

CAOF

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, beneficial insects

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Mediterranean regions with well-drained soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

5–14 days

Notes:

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before. Light accelerates germination but not required.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI