Calendula Golden Emperor

Calendula Seeds, (Calendula Officinalis Golden Emperor) Flowering Herb

Minimum 25 Seeds per package

Such a beautiful plant. Bushy at the base with long narrow leaves and stems of gorgeous yellow blooms. Calendula seeds are a long time favorite among gardeners because they are easy to start directly outdoors. Calendula is also called Pot Marigold because it is known to be edible and used in many dishes. The flowers are a sunny, golden color, and the leaves are bright green and typically about 4 inches long. The lower leaves are oval with a rounded tip and upper leaves are lance shaped with pointed tips. The blooms with very attractive, enormous in size, fully double, gold-yellow flowers that resemble chrysanthemums. They attract bees, butterflies and birds.

Season: Annual

USDA Zones: 4 - 10

Height: 24 inches

Bloom Season: Spring through fall

Bloom Color: Yellow

Environment: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 5.8 - 6.5

Deer Resistant: Yes

Temperature: plant outside when temps are above 70F

Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days

Depth: Lightly cover with peat moss

Moisture: Keep moist until germination

Plant Spacing: 12 inches

How to Grow: can be sown outdoors in prepared beds after last frost. Lightly cover the flower seed with peat moss and keep it moist until germination occurs.

Indoors, grow in loam-based potting compost (No. 2) in full light; water moderately. Transplant plants in spring after danger of frost has passed. Calendula flowers self-sow freely, so deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season. They do very well in containers, too.

Although some people find the peppery taste of the Calendula somewhat bitter, the flowers and leaves can be used as edible flowers in salads and other recipes, either fresh or dried. The petals can also be used to create a rich yellow dye when they are fully open. To dry the flowers, spread out the cut flower heads on a screen in a dry, shady spot. Turn them occasionally until they are papery dry, then store them in canning jars until ready to use.

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