Calendula ‘Zeolights’

Calendula officinalis

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Medium producer
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Suitable for containers

Description

The apricot-peach petals of ‘Zeolights’ have a rusty reverse side and a dark reddish-brown eye that make them a real standout in the garden. These abundant bloomers have tall, strong stems and are a fantastic addition to market bouquets and large arrangements. The warm peachy flowers look as if they are glowing in the vase. A must-grow! 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: 32 to 36 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 apricot-peach petals of ‘Zeolights’ have a rusty reverse side and a dark reddish-brown eye that make them a real standout in the garden. These abundant bloomers have tall, strong stems and are a fantastic addition to market bouquets and large arrangements. The warm peachy flowers look as if they are glowing in the vase. A must-grow! 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: 32 to 36 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

Summer Mini Course

Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers

In our upcoming three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.