Calendula has to be one of my favorite flowers to grow on our homestead in North Central Florida.
If you’re new to gardening I think calendula is a great place to start growing something!
Note: I’m talking about Calendula officinalis in this post. While some people call it pot marigold, common marigold or Scotch marigold it is not actually a marigold.
With their cheery flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and cream, calendula plants brighten up any garden. This hardy annual is easy to grow, has a long blooming season, and offers many benefits This article will cover tips for locating calendula plants for sale in your local area
Check Garden Centers and Nurseries
The most obvious place to find calendula plants is at your local independent garden center or nursery. Most will carry a selection of annuals and perennials in the spring and early summer.
Look for healthy, stocky seedlings in the 4-6 inch pot size range. Avoid leggy or rootbound plants. Examine leaves and flowers for signs of pests or disease. Knowledgeable staff can recommend the best calendula varieties for your region.
Well-known nurseries like Monrovia and Proven Winners often sell branded calendula varieties like ‘Bon Bon’ and ‘Pacific Beauty’ online and through garden retailers.
Try Large Home Improvement Chains
Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes typically stock a decent selection of annuals and perennials at reasonable prices. Their calendula offerings may be more limited than a nursery, but you can often find popular mixes like the ‘Fiesta Gitana’ series.
Check out their garden centers in early spring to get first pick of healthiest plants. Also look for mark-downs on late season annuals to get calendulas on clearance.
Shop Online
Can’t find calendula locally? Many online retailers sell seeds and plants that ship directly to you:
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Amazon – Carries a wide range of calendula seeds, plants, and flower mixes. Free shipping for Prime members.
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Etsy – Source from small home nurseries offering unique calendula varieties. Pay individual shop fees.
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High Mowing Seeds – Specialty seed company with a quality selection of calendula seeds. Flat-rate shipping.
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American Meadows – Reputable perennial nursery selling calendula plugs ready to plant. $9 flat-rate shipping.
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Brecks – Top bulb supplier with calendula seeds and Pacific Beauty transplants available. Shipping fees apply.
When ordering plants online, opt for fastest shipping and be sure you can plant them promptly upon arrival.
Visit Local Farmers Markets
Many small, local plant vendors set up booths at weekend farmers markets. This is a great place to find uncommon calendula varieties not found elsewhere.
Markets often showcase locally grown, heirloom, and organic plants. You can hand-pick the specimens you want and get helpful advice from growers.
Check Community Gardens
Does your neighborhood or community have a shared garden? Stop by and ask if anyone has extra calendula seedlings to spare or divide.
Gardeners who start plants from seed often end up with surplus and are happy to find them a good home.
Swap with Other Gardeners
Join gardening groups on social media or apps like NextDoor to connect with green thumbs in your area.
Post that you’re seeking calendula plants and you may be surprised by how many people respond with donations or trades.
Grow from Seeds
Finally, starting calendula from seed is an easy, affordable option. Sow seeds directly in prepared garden beds or containers. Thin young seedlings to proper spacing.
Let some plants go to flower and collect fresh seed to plant again next year!
With so many sources to explore, you should have no trouble tracking down calendula plants for sale near you. Just be sure to give them full sun, moderate water, and nutrient-rich soil, so you can enjoy their bountiful blooms.
How I grow calendula in Florida
Calendula is usually grown in the cooler months in Zone 8b. This is because it doesn’t do well in full sun during the hot and humid Florida summers. But because I like to try new things in the garden, I’ve been trying to grow calendula here for most of the year. This past year was my best yet! I learned how to grow calendula from August to early June! Crazy, huh? I do this in my gardens almost all year long. Yay!.
Just plant the seeds one after the other, and when they are ready to be moved, I make sure to put them in a partly shaded area of the garden where they will stay during the hotter months.
For example, I plant the seeds I start in December or January in the garden by March. Depending on how hot it gets here, they will often bloom until the first week of June. For the best spring and summer growth, I plant my calendula west of my tomatoes and east of an oak tree. This way, it gets just the right amount of sun. The oak tree blocks the sun in the afternoon, and the growing tomato vines block the sun in the morning. It works out just right!.
Folks who garden in Florida should know that when the seed packet says “FULL SUN,” it doesn’t mean FULL SUN in Florida.
So, don’t think your failed gardening attempts are you. It’s possible that you did too well by following directions that don’t work in your area.
Want to follow my gardening adventures in Zone 8b- North Central Florida? Follow my journey via video by subscribing to my homesteading YouTube channel.
#Bought the plants today… #Calendula..#Plants at home…
FAQ
What month do you plant calendula?
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Plant name
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Zone
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Plant seedlings/transplants outdoors (spring/fall)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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7b
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On/around April 15 (after last frost)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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8a
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On/around March 15 (after last frost)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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8b
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On/around March 15 (after last frost)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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9a
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Dec. 15-March 1
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Does calendula come back every year?
What is the best calendula for medicinal use?
Are marigold and calendula the same plant?