BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: English marigold
• Genus: Calendula
• Species: officinalis
• Cultivar: 'Indian Prince'
• Skill Level: beginner
• Exposure: full sun, partial shade
• Hardiness: hardy
• Soil type: moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 0.75m
• Spread: 0.45m
• Time to plant seeds: March to April
• Flowering period: May to October

This annual marigold has dark orange daisy-like flowers with reddish-brown tinted petals. Its long stems make it perfect for cutting for indoor displays. If specifically growing for cut flowers, pinch out the terminal buds to encourage more flowers. Like most hardy annuals, it is easy to grow and can be simply sown where it is to flower. It is tolerant of any well-drained soil, even quite poor ones.