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Flowering ornamental and edible annual
Asteraceae
Organic seeds
'Erfurter' calendula organic
Calendula officinalis
Product code : TOURNE-0009
‘Erfurter’ calendula, Calendula officinalis, is an annual known for orange to golden-yellow flowers that are especially rich in resin. Its upright stems generally stand approximately 45 to 60 cm tall. Sow early in spring at a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 cm, then space plants 20 to 30 cm apart in full sun or bright partial shade. Germination generally takes 7 to 14 days at 18 to 21°C. Upright plants reach approximately 45 to 60 cm and usually begin flowering within 55 to 65 days. Harvest open flower heads regularly to encourage new buds. Petals are edible when taken from healthy plants known to be calendula grown for that use.
- Quantity
- 50 organic seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common name‘Erfurter’ calendula, ‘Erfurter’ pot marigold
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusCalendula
Speciesofficinalis
CultivarErfurter
TypeFlowering ornamental and edible annual
Botanical nameCalendula officinalis
Reproducible seedsYes
'Erfurter' calendula organic (Calendula officinalis), also called pot marigold, is an annual selected for exceptionally resinous, sticky flower heads. Single to semi-double blooms range mainly from bright orange to golden yellow and attract bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. The petals are edible and add colour to salads, rice, soups, and garnishes. Use only healthy flowers known to be calendula grown without treatments incompatible with edible use, then remove the flower base before serving. Plants develop an upright, branching habit and generally reach approximately 45 to 60 cm in height.
Direct-sow early in spring around the last frost, or start seed indoors three to four weeks before planting out. Sow approximately 0.5 to 1.5 cm deep and maintain the growing medium between 18 and 21°C until emergence, generally within 7 to 14 days. Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 20 to 30 cm apart. Grow ‘Erfurter’ in full sun or bright partial shade and loose, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Excess nitrogen favours leaves over flowers. Water regularly during establishment, then deeply when the surface begins drying. The first flowers generally appear approximately 55 to 65 days after sowing, with regular harvest supporting continued bloom through the season.
Harvest fully opened flower heads in the morning after dew has dried, using clean scissors. Wear gloves if the sticky resin irritates your skin. For dried petals, spread flowers promptly in one layer in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place, then store them away from moisture. Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage new buds until frost, or allow several heads to mature when you wish to collect seed. Watch for aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew; provide proper spacing and water at soil level. In containers, choose a well-drained pot approximately 30 to 40 cm wide. Discard flowers that are mouldy, badly damaged, or treated with a product unsuitable for edible crops.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Approximately 0.5 to 1.5 cm (1/4 to 1/2 in)
Spacing / density
Approximately 30 cm (12 in) between plants
Germination temperature
18 to 21°C (65 to 70°F)
Germination time
7 to 14 days
Sowing period
Direct-sow in early spring or start indoors 4 to 5 weeks before planting out
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow approximately 0.5 to 1.5 cm deep and keep the growing medium lightly moist at 18 to 21°C until emergence, generally within 7 to 14 days. After hardening, transplant or thin seedlings to 20 to 30 cm apart. Grow in full sun or bright partial shade and loose, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Water at soil level during establishment, then when the surface begins drying. Avoid excess nitrogen. Pinch young plants when a more branching habit is desired and harvest open flower heads regularly to support continuous bloom. Allow several flowers to mature only when you wish to collect seed. After emergence, thin without disturbing retained plants and keep the surface lightly moist. Mulch only after plants establish, leaving the crown uncovered. Inspect leaf undersides regularly, remove severely damaged tissue, and harvest at the recommended stage. Record the sowing date for ‘Erfurter’ calendula to plan later batches more accurately and rotate the next crop with an unrelated plant family. During sowing and cultivation, check moisture and leaf condition regularly, then adjust watering and protection as plants develop. During sowing and cultivation, keep soil moist and well drained without allowing water to remain around roots.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Care level
Easy
Watering
Keep the seedbed evenly moist until emergence without saturating it. Once plants are established, water deeply when the upper few centimetres begin to dry. Direct water to soil level in the morning so foliage dries promptly and powdery-mildew risk is reduced. In containers, check moisture daily during heat waves and empty saucers. A light mulch limits evaporation without covering the crown. Adjust frequency to rainfall, exposure, pot volume, and soil drainage.
Soil type
Choose loose, reasonably rich, well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 5.5 to 7.0. Incorporate a small amount of mature compost when soil is poor, but avoid heavy nitrogen inputs that promote leaves at the expense of flowers. Soil should retain steady moisture during emergence without staying waterlogged. In heavy ground, improve drainage or grow on a slight mound. Avoid fresh manure and compacted areas where water collects around the crown.
Fertilization
Calendula needs little fertilizer. In ordinary soil, a small amount of mature compost before sowing is usually sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which encourage abundant leaves and fewer flowers. If a soil test or weak growth confirms a need, apply a balanced organic fertilizer at low strength according to its label. Check light, watering, and drainage first. In containers, feed only when the growing mix is depleted, and stop late applications before the first frosts.
Seasonal care
In spring, sow as soon as soil can be worked or start plants indoors four to five weeks before planting out. Keep the growing mix near 21°C and evenly moist until emergence, then provide strong light. Harden seedlings before moving them outdoors. In early summer, thin to the chosen spacing, water at soil level, and lightly pinch young stems when a bushier habit is desired. During flowering, harvest opened heads in the morning or remove faded blooms two or three times each week. Monitor slugs, aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew; improve air circulation and use integrated pest-management methods when needed. During a heat wave, maintain steady moisture and offer light afternoon shade because flowering may slow. In late summer, continue harvesting or leave several heads to mature for seed observation. After hard frost, remove plants, discard diseased tissue, clean tools and containers, and record sowing dates, first bloom, and final harvest. Keep culinary flowers separate from material exposed to non-food products throughout the season. When making successive sowings, label every series to compare emergence time and flowering duration. Harvest only in dry weather and place flowers loosely in a ventilated basket. For drying, spread them immediately in one layer in darkness with good ventilation. Check after several days and discard any batch showing condensation, unusual odour, or mould. Do not rely on calendula alone for pest control; monitor neighbouring crops and respond according to the pest observed. Inspect neighbouring crops and intervene promptly when populations increase. At season’s end, store clean dry seed only in a labelled envelope kept away from heat and moisture.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Well-drained pot approximately 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in) wide
Choose a pot at least 30 cm wide for one plant, or a larger container for several plants, always with open drainage holes. Fill it with a light moderately fertile growing mix; excessive nitrogen produces many leaves and fewer flowers. Direct-sow approximately 0.5 cm deep or transplant a young root ball without disturbing roots. Place the container in sun or bright partial shade. Water when the surface begins to dry and allow all excess to drain. Rotate the pot weekly, remove faded flowers, and harvest opened heads with clean scissors. During heat waves, check moisture daily and protect the container from harsh late-afternoon sun. For culinary use, grow only in a clean container with products permitted on food crops. Inspect leaf undersides regularly for aphids and maintain enough spacing for air circulation. Empty saucers after watering and discard any flower showing mould, damage, or residues unsuitable for food. Do not crowd a small pot; one well-spaced plant receives more light and airflow. One well-ventilated plant can branch and produce cleaner flowers more readily. Harvest in the morning after dew dries, place heads in a ventilated basket, and immediately separate those intended for cooking. No hardiness zone applies to this annual. Move the container to shelter when violent wind or hail threatens the flower heads.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 in)
Width / spread
Approximately 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)
Flower color
Bright orange
Foliage color
Medium green to blue-green
Foliage type
Annual deciduous foliage
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Bushy, branched, and floriferous
Bloom period
‘Erfurter’ produces abundant double, bright-orange flower heads on branching stems. Flowering generally begins approximately 50 to 60 days after sowing and may continue until frost when blooms are harvested or deadheaded regularly. The flower heads contain the sticky resin characteristic of this selection. For bouquets, harvest fully opened flowers after the dew has dried. To support pollinators throughout the season, always leave several open flowers in the garden between harvests.
Days to maturity
Approximately 50 to 60 days to first flowers
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
No specific companion plant is confirmed for this product. ‘Erfurter’ can nevertheless be included in an edible border or near vegetables that prefer loose, well-drained soil when enough room remains around its foliage. Low crops harvested quickly may share the bed without shading calendula. Maintain 20–30 cm between plants, keep the crown open, and water every crop according to its needs. Flowers may receive bees, hoverflies, and other visiting insects, but companion planting does not replace weeding or monitoring for aphids, slugs, and foliar disease. Results vary with soil, weather, and garden layout. Thin or move neighbouring plants when they begin to restrict light, airflow, or harvest access.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
Why are ‘Erfurter’ calendula flowers sticky?
‘Erfurter’ was selected for flower heads especially rich in resinous substances. Sticky texture is therefore normal for the variety, particularly in warm dry weather or on fully opened flowers. Wear gloves when resin irritates skin and clean scissors after harvest. This resin content explains interest in infused oils and craft preparations but guarantees no therapeutic effect. Harvest only healthy flowers without mould, hidden insects, or residues from unauthorized products. For cooking, use mainly petals and remove the flower-head base. For drying, space flowers in one layer so moisture is not trapped. Label batches and discard any material that develops an unusual odour, softness, or visible mould. Keep culinary harvests separate from craft material, record the harvest date, and wash hands after handling sticky heads.
Which parts of calendula may be eaten?
Petals from fully opened flowers are the part most commonly used in cooking. Their flavour may be mildly peppery or bitter. Use only calendula whose identity is certain grown without products unauthorized for edible plants. Harvest healthy flowers, remove insects, rinse gently, then detach the petals and discard the calyx and centre. Eat a small quantity the first time and stop if a reaction occurs. Never eat a plant merely because it resembles calendula. People allergic to Asteraceae, pregnant, taking medication, or following a medical dietary restriction should seek professional advice before a new concentrated food use. Discard every mouldy, contaminated, or uncertainly identified portion. Keep culinary petals separate from craft material.
Why does calendula produce many leaves but few flowers?
The most common cause is soil overly rich in nitrogen, sometimes combined with insufficient light. The plant then invests in large leaves instead of buds. Provide more sun where possible, stop nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and let the soil surface dry slightly between irrigations without severe wilting. Also verify that plants are not overcrowded. Extreme heat may interrupt flowering temporarily; provide light late-day shade and maintain steady moisture. Do not automatically add a “bloom” fertilizer before examining soil, light, temperature, and plant age. Remove faded flowers, but retain enough healthy foliage to power continued growth. Compare container and in-ground plants before changing every planting at once. Record the changes made and allow several days before judging their effect, since new buds need time to develop.
How should ‘Erfurter’ flowers be dried correctly?
Harvest fully opened heads in the morning after dew dries. Inspect them, remove insects, and reject every spotted, wet, or damaged flower. Spread heads in one layer on mesh or a clean tray in a dark dry very well-ventilated place. Turn them regularly and avoid thick piles because the resinous centre retains moisture. Drying is complete when petals and base are dry and brittle with no cool or soft area. Store flowers in a clean dry opaque labelled container. Check the batch after several days; when condensation, unusual odour, or mould appears, discard the entire contents instead of attempting recovery. Keep culinary material separate from flowers intended only for external crafts.
How can ‘Erfurter’ flowering be extended?
Sow after last frost in a bright site, avoid excess nitrogen, and maintain steady moisture without saturating soil. Remove faded flowers two or three times each week before they all form seed, while retaining enough foliage to feed the plant. Harvesting several edible flowers has a similar effect when cuts are clean and stems are not torn. During heat waves, light afternoon shade and thin mulch reduce stress. Monitor aphids and slugs, then intervene early with physical methods. A new series sown in early summer may take over when enough season remains for bloom before frost. No maintenance can extend this annual beyond hard freezing. Keep dated notes to identify the best sowing window in the local microclimate.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Orange to golden-yellow flowers attract bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other pollinating insects over a long period. Avoid treatments while flower heads are open and leave several blooms available between harvests to support garden visitors. ‘Erfurter’ calendula is grown primarily for harvest. When several plants reach bloom, their flowers may receive small bees, hoverflies, and other insects. This contribution remains secondary and varies with flowering duration, weather, and neighbouring crops.
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