Calendula Indian Prince

Discover the Unique Beauty of Calendula Indian Prince

Introduce a touch of regal elegance to your garden with Calendula Indian Prince (Calendula officinalis). This distinctive annual is celebrated for its exceptionally doubled double row of flower petals, presenting a vibrant bright golden color on the surface. Adding to its allure, the underside of each petal reveals a deeper orange hue, creating a captivating and unique two-tone effect when viewed from the side.

Striking Double Flowers with a Two-Tone Effect

The blooms of Calendula Indian Prince are truly special, showcasing a rich golden color that immediately catches the eye. The fascinating contrast with the darker orange on the back of the petals adds a layer of visual interest and sophistication, making these flowers stand out in any garden setting or floral arrangement.

Edible Petals with a Mild Flavor

Enhance your culinary creations with the edible petals of Calendula Indian Prince. Their surprisingly mild flavor allows them to add a vibrant visual pop to a variety of recipes without overpowering the overall taste. Use them to garnish salads, desserts, and other dishes for a touch of natural beauty and color.

Prolific Blooms and Versatile Growth

Reaching a height of up to 60cm (24 inches), this unusual annual exhibits a robust growth habit and blooms generously from early summer right through to late August, especially when spent flowers are regularly removed (deadheading). Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for containers, adding vertical interest to flower beds, and creating a grand display when planted en masse. In favorable conditions, Calendula Indian Prince may even self-sow, providing a delightful return in subsequent years.

Growing Information:

• Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
• Common Name: Indian Prince Calendula
• Plant Type: Annual
• Flower Color: Bright golden with a darker orange underside (two-tone effect)
• Flower Type: Doubled double petals
• Petal Flavor: Mild, edible
• Plant Height: Up to 60cm (24 inches)
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late August (with deadheading)
• Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Packet Contains: 20 seeds

Sowing Instructions:

Starting Indoors (Late Winter):

For transplanting, sow seeds indoors late winter. Maintain darkness and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F) until germination (6-14 days), then provide bright light to keep seedlings compact. Transplant outdoors once daytime temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

Direct Sowing:

Calendula is easiest to grow from direct sowing. Sow seeds 5mm (¼ inch) deep, with a spacing of 15-45cm (6-18 inches) between plants.

Growing Tips:

• Soil: Grows easily in any regular garden soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
• Pinching: Pinch back young plants to encourage a bushier growth habit.
• Feeding: Occasional feeding can be beneficial but is generally not necessary.
• Watering: Keep plants watered, but avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
• Deadheading: Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming and prevent self-sowing if desired.

Companion Planting:

Calendula is known to repel certain harmful nematodes in the soil but may attract slugs. Consider planting it with tomatoes and asparagus for potential benefits.

Add a touch of unique golden beauty and culinary versatility to your garden with Calendula Indian Prince seeds. Order your packet of 20 seeds today!