Calendula ‘Pink Surprise’
Calendula officinalis
Description
The name of this variety is a bit misleading—we think it should actually be called Peach Surprise! A unique double-flowered calendula, this cheerful variety looks great in a vase. The soft apricot petals have a glowing orange reverse side, and the warm brown center of the flower reminds us of a cuddly teddy bear. Calendulas are easy to grow and the fastest flowers to bloom from seed—in just 2 months. Often called English marigolds, the plants are loved by beneficial insects. Petals can be used as fabric dye, are edible, and can be used medicinally in salves.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 in tall
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Can be direct-sown and succession-planted every 2 to 3 weeks for continual harvest.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when flowers are three-quarters open. Foliage is sticky, so wear gloves when harvesting. Expect a vase life of 6 to 8 days.
Details
Description
The name of this variety is a bit misleading—we think it should actually be called Peach Surprise! A unique double-flowered calendula, this cheerful variety looks great in a vase. The soft apricot petals have a glowing orange reverse side, and the warm brown center of the flower reminds us of a cuddly teddy bear. Calendulas are easy to grow and the fastest flowers to bloom from seed—in just 2 months. Often called English marigolds, the plants are loved by beneficial insects. Petals can be used as fabric dye, are edible, and can be used medicinally in salves.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 in tall
Height: 18 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 60 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 8 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Can be direct-sown and succession-planted every 2 to 3 weeks for continual harvest.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when flowers are three-quarters open. Foliage is sticky, so wear gloves when harvesting. Expect a vase life of 6 to 8 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Fall Mini Course
Learn how to successfully dig, divide & store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn how and when to dig up your dahlia tuber clumps, how to divide dahlias to multiply your stock, and how to successfully store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year.
