Radio Calendula

Radio Calendula was introduced in the 1930s and remains a classic. The colors range from a very bright yellow to a golden-orange so that every bloom is a little sunrise. The petals are very crisply defined and almost quill-like. Plants grow close to 2 feet in height and if you keep them deadheaded they will bloom until frost. 50 seeds     PLANTING Calendula officinalis Annual Germination: 7-14 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF. Seed Planting Depth: Sow 1/4” deep Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 6-12” apart after the last frost date. Sowing Outdoors: 1-2 weeks before the last frost, sow a few seeds every 6-12". Sow every 2-3 weeks for season-long blooms.  Spacing:  6-12” Growth Habit:  Upright, bushy Height and Width:  24” x 12" Light Needs:  Full sun to part shade in hot areas Soil Needs:  Fertile, well-drained  Approximate days to flower from seed: 50-60 days Uses:  Attracts pollinators, cut flowers, flower beds, containers, edible/medicinal flowers, companion plant in the vegetable garden- cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, carrots, Care: Reseeds easily. Deadheading prolongs blooms and reduces reseeding. Pinch back to encourage a bushy growth habit. Calendulas bloom best in cooler temperatures and low humidity. If they start to decline in the hot weather, cut back and they will rebloom later in the season. They will live through light frosts and make a great late season flower.