How to Grow Calendula – aka Pot Marigold

by | Mar 9, 2026

Calendula is one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow. It produces bright yellow and orange blooms that attract pollinators, help beneficial insects, and can even be used in herbal teas, salves, and salads.

In Tennessee, calendula grows especially well in cool spring and fall weather.

When to Plant (Tennessee)

  • Early spring: February–March

  • Fall crop: September–October

  • Seeds can tolerate light frost.

Calendula actually prefers cool weather, so it often slows down in the heat of summer.

Light Requirements

  • Full sun to partial sun

  • In hot climates, morning sun + afternoon shade helps plants last longer.

Soil

  • Well-drained soil

  • Average garden soil works well

  • Too much fertilizer = more leaves, fewer flowers

Ideal soil pH: 6.0–7.0

How to Plant Seeds

Calendula is best direct sown in the garden.

Steps:

Loosen soil.

Plant seeds ¼–½ inch deep.

Space seeds 6–8 inches apart.

Water gently.

Germination: 7–14 days.

Thin plants to 8–12 inches apart once they sprout.

Watering

  • Keep soil evenly moist while seedlings establish.

  • Once mature, water about 1–2 times per week.

  • Avoid soaking leaves to reduce disease.

Harvesting Flowers

Harvest regularly to encourage more blooms.

Pick flowers when they fully open.

Uses include:

  • Herbal tea

  • Skin salves

  • Edible flower garnish

  • Natural dye

Garden Benefits

Calendula is excellent for:

  • Pollinators

  • Beneficial insects

  • Pest management

It pairs well with vegetables like:

  • Tomatoes

  • Lettuce

  • Beans

  • Cucumbers

Saving Calendula Seeds

Calendula is one of the easiest flowers to save seed from.

Leave a few flowers on the plant.

Let them dry and turn brown.

The seeds will look like little curled claws or crescents.

Collect and store in a cool, dry place.

Seeds stay viable 3–5 years.

Common Problems

Problem Cause Fix
Powdery mildew Humid weather Space plants well
Few flowers Too much fertilizer Use low fertility soil
Plants stop blooming Summer heat Replant in fall


Calendula often reseeds itself, so once you plant it, you may have flowers returning every year.

Harvesting & Using Calendula 

Guide for Drying, Tea, Infused Oil, and Salves

Calendula flowers are widely used in herbal remedies for skin healing, soothing inflammation, and gentle teas. The petals contain most of the beneficial compounds, so proper harvesting and drying helps preserve them.

Harvesting Calendula Flowers

Best Time to Harvest

  • Pick fully open flowers

  • Harvest in the morning after dew dries

  • Choose bright, fresh blooms

Avoid:

  • Wilted flowers

  • Flowers with insects or mold

How to Harvest

Pinch or snip the entire flower head at the base.

Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage more blooms.

Leave a few flowers on plants if you want to save seeds.

Tip: The more you harvest calendula, the more flowers it produces.

How to Dry Calendula

Calendula must be dried well to prevent mold.

Method 1: Air Dry (Best Method)

Spread flowers in a single layer on:

    • drying screen

    • mesh rack

    • paper towel or basket

    • Place in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area.

    • Dry for 7–10 days.

Flowers are ready when:

  • Petals feel crispy

  • Flower base snaps easily

Method 2: Dehydrator

  • Temperature: 95–105°F

  • Dry time: 12–24 hours

Storage

Store dried calendula in:

  • Glass jars

  • Paper herb bags

  • Cool dark cabinet

Shelf life: 1–2 years

Calendula Tea

Calendula tea is mild, slightly earthy, and soothing.

Ingredients

  • 1–2 teaspoons dried calendula petals

  • 1 cup hot water

Instructions

Place petals in a mug or tea infuser.

Pour hot water over herbs.

Cover and steep 10–15 minutes.

Strain and enjoy.

Optional additions:

  • honey

  • lemon

  • mint

Benefits commonly associated with calendula tea:

  • digestive support

  • soothing sore throat

  • gentle anti-inflammatory

Calendula Infused Oil

Calendula oil is used for:

  • dry skin

  • rashes

  • minor cuts

  • eczema

  • baby skin care

What You Need

  • Dried calendula flowers

  • Carrier oil (best options):

    • olive oil

    • sweet almond oil

    • jojoba oil

    • sunflower oil

Slow Infusion Method (Best)

Fill a jar ½–¾ full with dried flowers.

Pour oil over flowers until fully covered.

Seal jar.

Let sit 3–4 weeks in a warm spot.

Shake jar every few days.

Strain through cheesecloth.

Store in dark bottles.

Shelf life: 6–12 months

Quick Warm Method

Combine flowers and oil in a jar or double boiler.

Heat gently for 2–4 hours on very low heat.

Strain.

Calendula Healing Salve

Salves are simply herbal oil + beeswax.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup calendula infused oil

  • 1 oz beeswax

Optional:

  • 10–20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

Heat oil in a double boiler.

Add beeswax.

Stir until melted.

Pour into tins or jars.

Let cool and solidify.

Uses

Calendula salve is commonly used for:

  • cuts and scrapes

  • dry skin

  • cracked hands

  • bug bites

  • minor burns

  • diaper rash

Extra Tip: Petal vs Whole Flower

For herbal uses

Part Best Use
Petals only Tea, cooking
Whole flower Oils and salves

Harvesting trick used by herbalists:
Pick flowers every few days all season and dry them in batches. One calendula patch can produce hundreds of flowers.