Calendula Balls Improved Cut Flower Seeds

Overview

Calendula 'Balls Improved Orange' (English Marigold/Pot Marigold) is a tall 'pot marigold' (reaches 60cm) and so makes an ideal flower to cut. It is double flowering with 'zingy' orange petals - looks good with lime green foliage as well as a bunch on their own or in a grand arrangement. They last about a week in a vase.

Calendula's are not only a great cut flowers but are beneficial in the garden in other ways - as a companion plant to repel insects away from tomatoes and lure aphids away from beans, they also attract beneficial insects to the veg patch e.g. ladybirds that eat aphids. The petals are edible and can be added to salads to give colour and a tangy flavour. Also known to have healing properties in homeopathic medicines.

A very versatile little plant.

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Seed qty (approx)	100
Sowing months	March, April, September
Site conditions	Sun/part shade & well-drained soil, even tolerates poor soil.
How to sow	Direct sow seed thinly into a well prepared soil either in drills 1cm deep by rows 30cm part or scatter seed and lightly cover with a thin layer of fine soil. Germination takes 5-15 days. Thin the seedlings to about 20cm apart.
Care	Wash flower heads before bringing into house to get rid off aphids that like them. Keep picking to ensure continued flowering until first frosts. Keep well watered in dry periods and keep weed free as they will compete for light, nutrients & water.
Flowers	March sowings - June onwards. September sowings - Late March.
Information	N/A

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