Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

How much light does a Pot Marigold need?

Pot marigold does best in full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed as an acceptable setting for this plant. It is also described as easy to grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. Full sun is the preferred exposure, with part shade as the second option.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2

How often to water a Pot Marigold

Medium is the water need listed for pot marigold. The plant is described as preferring moderate watering. That puts the minimum and the maximum water need at the same medium level. The soil it grows in is listed as well drained and moist. The same listing describes it as easy to grow in any well-drained soil in full sun.

• Water: Medium³

Best soil for a Pot Marigold

Well drained and moist are the two drainage descriptions listed for pot marigold soil. One extension source records good drainage for it. Another says it is easy to grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. No other drainage description appears in the record. Medium is the water level listed alongside that drainage. No cited source records a soil pH range for this plant, so that value is not documented here.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^1,2

Hardiness and temperature

Pot marigold is listed for Zones 2a–11b. That range runs from 2a through 11b in half-zone steps. A source says it can tolerate cool temperatures and a moderate frost, to about 28.4 °F (-2 °C). The minimum temperature on file is 28.4 °F (-2 °C). No cited source records a humidity preference, so humidity is not documented here.

• Hardiness: Zones 2a–11b¹
• Minimum temperature: 28.4 °F (-2 °C)⁴

Pruning a Pot Marigold

For pot marigold, the pruning type listed is deadheading. No other pruning type is recorded on file. The plant reaches 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m) in height and the same in spread. Its flowers are yellow, orange and red. No cited source gives a timing or a cutting height, so those details are not documented.

• Pruning: Deadheading⁵

How to plant a Pot Marigold

Plant pot marigold in USDA Zones 2a–11b, the range listed for it. Allow for a mature spread of 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m) and a height of 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m). Give it full sun, with part shade as the second option. The soil listed is well drained and moist. The flowers are yellow, orange and red. Its native range is recorded as SPA, and in the lower 48 US states its status is introduced.

• Hardiness: Zones 2a–11b¹

Winter care

A source says pot marigold can tolerate cool temperatures and a moderate frost, to about 28.4 °F (-2 °C). The listed hardiness range is Zones 2a–11b. No cited source gives a lower limit than 28.4 °F (-2 °C), so nothing colder is documented. No cited source describes mulching, covering or overwintering, so those steps are not documented here.

• Hardiness: Zones 2a–11b¹
• Minimum temperature: 28.4 °F (-2 °C)⁴

How to propagate a Pot Marigold

Seed is the recommended propagation strategy for pot marigold. Seed is also the one method recorded for this species, with no cuttings or division listed. No cited source gives sowing depth, spacing or timing, so those details are not documented here. A mature plant reaches 1–2 ft (0.3–0.61 m) in height and the same in spread.

• Propagation: Seed¹

Common problems

Slugs, snails, aphids and whiteflies are the pests recorded for pot marigold. A source notes slugs and snails particularly on young plants. The diseases on file are powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, root rot and smut. Pot marigold is described as susceptible to powdery mildew.

• Common pests: slugs, snails, aphids and whiteflies¹
• Common diseases: powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, root rot and smut^1,6

Questions and answers

Is pot marigold toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists Calendula officinalis as non-toxic to dogs and non-toxic to cats. Pet Poison Helpline also considers it non-toxic following ingestion.

How much sun does pot marigold need?

Full sun is preferred, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Part shade is also listed as acceptable. It is also described as easy to grow in any well-drained soil in full sun.

How cold can pot marigold get?

A source says it can tolerate cool temperatures and a moderate frost, to about 28.4 °F (-2 °C). It is listed for Zones 2a–11b. That listing covers every half zone from 2a to 11b.