Calendula Seeds (Dwarf Pot Marigold) - Fiesta Gitana

Calendula officinalis 'Fiesta Gitana' is a compact, dwarf Pot Marigold growing just 8–12 inches tall — ideal for containers, beds, borders, and the pollinator garden. Blooms come in a cheerful mix of orange, yellow, and gold, and like all calendulas, the flower petals are fully edible — beautiful as garnishes on salads, soups, and desserts. A natural pest manager and pollinator magnet: it draws bees, birds, and beneficial insects into the garden while helping to deter unwanted ones. Deer resistant. Approx. 4,500 seeds per oz.

Plant Highlights

• Dwarf compact habit — 8–12 inches tall; ideal for containers and front-of-border plantings
• Orange, yellow, and gold blooms — edible petals for culinary use
• Excellent long-lasting cut flower
• Attracts bees, birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects; helps deter garden pests
• Cool-season performer; grows fall through spring in mild winter areas
• Deer resistant

Growing Guide

Starting indoors: Sow in cell packs; press seeds into soil and lightly cover. Keep at 70°F; germination in 7–14 days.

Direct sowing: Sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed. Lightly cover seeds with peat moss; sow 6 seeds per foot. Thin to 8–12 inches apart.

Site and soil: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil, pH 5.8–6.5. Moderate water; tolerates almost any soil with good drainage. Performs best in cool weather. Deadhead to extend the flowering season.

Coverage

• Packet: up to 10 sq ft | Ounce: up to 65 sq ft | ¼ lb: up to 275 sq ft

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Height: 8–12 inches (dwarf)
• Bloom season: Spring through fall
• Bloom color: Orange, yellow, and gold — mixed
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, pH 5.8–6.5
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Germ temp: 70°F | Avg. germ time: 7–14 days
• Planting depth: Lightly cover with peat moss
• Sowing rate: 7 oz per 1,000 sq ft | 18 lbs per acre | 3–4 seeds per plant
• Spacing: 12 inches