SCIENTIFIC NAME: Calendula officinalis

COMMON NAME: Calendula, pot marigold

FAMILY: Asteraceae (Compositae)

TYPE: hardy annual

LEAVES: alternate, thick, oblong to slightly obovate, 2"-6", long, typically entire margin, base often clasps the stem

FLOWER: solitary, 1 1/2"- 4" across, spreading rays of yellow, white, or orange; single or double

SEASON OF BLOOM: late winter to early spring, does poorly in hot weather

GROWTH HABIT: 12" to 18", rounded

SOIL: moist, well drained

SUN: full to part shade

UTILIZATION: cut flowers, beds or borders; typically will not survive hot summers; generally does not perform well in Zone 8

DISEASES: powdery mildew, leaf spot, stem and root rot, aster yellows

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: cabbage looper, aphids, white flies

PROPAGATION: seed, may self-sow

MAINTENANCE: deadheading of blooms