Flower Library
Pot Marigold
Calendula · Asteraceae
The pot marigold is pure cottage-garden nostalgia: glowing orange and golden-yellow daisy blooms that look like summer and childhood. As a cut flower, calendula is enjoying a comeback, carried by the trend towards regional, seasonal flowers in the slow-flower spirit. In season we like buying it as field-grown stock from the Veiling Rhein-Maas, often from regional growers.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Calendula
- Colors
- Orange, Golden yellow, Apricot, Cream, Bicoloured with a dark centre
Calendula officinalis is ornamental and medicinal plant in one: its petals go into salves and teas, and the German name Ringelblume comes from its curled seeds. For cutting, long-stemmed varieties were developed, such as the double Princess types or more muted new breeds in apricot and cream that look surprisingly elegant.
In floral work the pot marigold is an honest summer flower without airs: it fills meadow bouquets with warm orange, holds its own in cottage bouquets with cornflowers and yarrow, and gives autumn arrangements a last accent of sunshine. The new pastel varieties even open the door to wedding floristry.
One quirk is worth knowing: calendula blooms respond to light and close slightly in the evening or on dull days. That is not wilting but nature; the next morning they stand open again. Knowing this saves the fright on the first evening with a new bouquet.
When buying we look for straight, firm stems and blooms about two-thirds open. The sticky, resinous stem and spicy scent are typical of the species and a sign of fresh field stock, not a defect.
A big plus for families: the pot marigold is non-toxic to cats, dogs and children, and the petals are even edible, ending up as decoration on salads. That makes it one of the most uncomplicated flowers for households with pets, even though cut stock itself is not meant for eating.
Is Pot Marigold toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
Pot marigold is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people; its petals are even edible. Cut stock is still not a foodstuff, and very large amounts can upset sensitive stomachs.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Give the stems a fresh cut and place them in a clean vase with fresh water.
- 02Remove the lower foliage; the soft leaves rot quickly in water.
- 03Check the water daily and change it completely every two days, as calendula clouds it fast.
- 04Use flower food to keep the water clear for longer.
- 05Place somewhere bright so the light-dependent blooms open fully during the day.
- 06Blooms closing in the evening is normal and not a sign of wilting.
Frequently asked
- How long does pot marigold last in the vase?
- Around five to eight days. Frequent water changes matter most, as the soft stems cloud the vase water faster than other summer flowers. Flower food and a cool spot get the maximum out of it.
- Is pot marigold toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- No, Calendula officinalis is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people and is even used as a medicinal plant in salves and teas. Large swallowed amounts can still upset sensitive animals, as with any plant.
- Why do the blooms close in the evening?
- The pot marigold is a classic sundial flower: its blooms follow the light, opening in the morning and closing at dusk. In the vase it keeps this rhythm, which is a sign of vitality, not wilting.
- Are pot marigold and tagetes the same flower?
- No, even though both are called marigold in English. Pot marigold (calendula) comes from the Mediterranean, is edible and has a resinous, spicy scent; tagetes comes from Mexico and smells much sharper. In a bouquet, by the way, the two combine beautifully.