About
Calendula officinalis 'Orange King' is a robust annual that yields large, double blooms in a vibrant orange hue from May until the onset of frost. This variety is straightforward to cultivate from seed and is well-suited for arrangements. The petals are edible, adding a splash of color to summer salads and can also be dried as a saffron alternative for culinary use.
About the genus
Calendula comprises either annuals or perennials with woody bases. They feature straightforward, fragrant foliage and prominent flower heads resembling daisies, which bloom in shades of orange or yellow during the summer and autumn months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in well drained soil in full sun. Sow direct in spring, 0.5cm deep into finely prepared soil, thin to 23cm apart. For a continuous display, sow at two to three weekly intervals. Autumn sowings will flower the following year. Deadhead regularly and pinch out terminal shoots to encourage bushy growth
- Pruning
- Regularly deadhead to extend flowering. Cut back to ground level after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in situ in Spring or Autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews and a virus