How to grow Calendula in Australia
Sow calendula in full sun in any free-draining soil, where it is one of the most forgiving flowers to grow. Water while young, then it tolerates dry spells.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 2 days
- Spacing: 25 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Cool-season flower; sow Mar to Aug. Tolerates light frost. Melbourne ideal; reseed. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to August | |
| Perth & WA | March to August | |
| Tasmania | March and April, August to October | Sow Aug to Oct or Mar to Apr. Takes frost and flowers through winter in mild spots. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to August | Calendula is frost-hardy annual; sow autumn-spring; blooms nearly year-round in Canberra; self-seeds prolifically. |
| North Queensland | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Calendula prefers cooler tropical months. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to August | Dry season May to Aug. Calendula prefers cooler tropical months. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick flowers when freshly and fully open, ideally in the morning once dew dries. Deadheading and regular picking keeps new blooms forming all season.
Storage
Dry petals thoroughly and store in a sealed jar, lasts months.