How to Grow Calendula in Australia
A cool-season flower crop for the home garden
Growing your own Calendula is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-6/week on edible flowers and herbal teas.
This guide covers when to plant Calendula in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Calendula is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Calendula full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 25 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 22 degrees.
Pollinator magnet. Petals are edible, nice in salads.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Powdery mildew and Leaf spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Calendula is typically ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months). Dry petals thoroughly and store in a sealed jar, lasts months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, calendula is good petals scattered over salads and soups, dried for herbal tea blends, petals infused into honey or oil and used as a natural food colour in butter and rice. Nutritionally: petals have antimicrobial and healing properties and used traditionally for skin wound care.
Companion Planting
Calendula grows well alongside Tomato, Brassicas and Beans. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Calendula Growing
Add calendula to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calendula in Australia?
Calendula is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Calendula take to grow?
Calendula is generally ready to harvest in around 60 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Calendula in a pot?
Yes. Calendula grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Calendula need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Calendula in the Plant Library
