Calendula Indian Prince
Calendula Indian Prince
Calendula officinalis. Noted for its doubled double row of flower petals, Indian Prince Calendula has a bright golden colour on its surface. The bottom of each petal is a darker orange, so it takes on a unique two-tone effect viewed from the side. The petals are edible, with quite a mild flavour, so they add visual pop to recipes without effecting the overall taste. This unusual annual reaches a height of 60cm (24"), and blooms from early summer right into late August if spent flowers are removed. Try it in containers or any flower bed in full sun to partial shade. It looks grand in mass plantings. In the right setting, this plant may self-sow and return again the following year.
Annual.
- Edible flower petals
- Mild flavour
- Double flowers
- Height to 60cm (24")
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Latin
Calendula officinalis
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Timing
Direct sow in early spring when light frost is still a possibility, and continue to sow every two to three weeks until early summer for fall flowers. Calendula is easiest from direct sowing, but can also be started indoors late winter for transplanting once daytime temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F). If starting indoors, maintain darkness and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F) until germination occurs in 6-14 days, and then supply bright light to keep seedlings compact. Or direct sow in early autumn in Zones 8-10.