Propagate by seed - Sow seeds outdoors a few weeks before the last frost in the spring, or start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Avoid warm propagation temperatures, as they will produce weak plants. Keep the seeds covered with soil, as light inhibits germination. Start an additional set of seedlings in the summer for optimal fall flowering.

Seeds self-sow readily.

Germination temperature: 55 F to 60 F

Days to emergence: 7 to 14

Deadhead spent flowers and pinch back to keep bushy. If flowering performance dwindles in mid-summer, cut the plants back severely.

Flower production will be particularly increased by fertilizers high in phosphorus. Petals of single flowered varieties have better flavor.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Aphids
Snails
Slugs
cabbage looper

Powdery mildew

Dwarfs, color variations (apricot, cream), brown centers, single and double form flowers

�Art Shades� Mix: flowers are bright variations of yellow and orange, in single colors or as bicolors. Showy dark brown centers provide an interesting contrast. Tolerates poor sites well.

�Bonbon� Series: very dense, pompom like flowers in shades of yellow and orange on dense, compact plants. Flowers earlier in the season than most Calendulas. Good for container growth.

�Touch of Red� Mix: flowers in shades of yellow and orange with red tipped petals.

�Calypso� Series: compact, dense plants are good for container growing. Flowers are double, and come in shades of orange and yellow. The flowers have dark colored centers.

�Pacific Beauty� Series: heat tolerant plants bear flowers in shades of yellow and orange on long, strong stems.

�Prince� Series: the best for cut flowers. Shades of yellow and orange flowers on long, strong stems. Heat resistant. Prolific flowers.

�Kablouna� Series: mildew resistant plants with flowers in shades of orange and yellow. Petals are arranged around tufted and pronouced centers.

�Greenheart Orange�: orange petals are arranged around a large, lime green tufted center. Very different from typical Calendula flowers. Showy plants are 1 � to 2� tall.

�Radio Extra Selected�: very unusual cactus-like blooms are orange, with quilled petals. The plants grow from 1 � to nearly 2� tall.

'Prolifera': flowerheads resemble hens-and-chicks.