Field marigold (Calendula arvensis)

Also known as: Field Marigold, Corn Marigold

Field marigold (Calendula arvensis) is an annual herb that reaches up to 51 cm in height. Its blooming period spans from spring through fall, and in milder climates, it can even flower during winter. The plant features a solitary flower head, with yellow petals encircling an orange center. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade and is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and birds.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Field marigold

Lifespan

Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

20 cm to 40 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

4 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Images of Field marigold

Quickly Identify Field marigold

Calendula arvensis can be identified by its daisy-like flowers with bright yellow or orange petals and a darker central disc. The leaves are oblong or lance-shaped, with a slightly sticky and hairy texture.

Scientific Classification of Field marigold

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Marigolds

Species

Field marigold

Planting and Growing of Field marigold

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Field marigold?

Calendula arvensis thrives when the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. It’s essential to provide approximately 200 ml of water per watering session, ensuring the water reaches deep into the soil without leaving it soggy. Make sure the top inch of the soil dries out between waterings.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Field marigold? ›

What should I do if my Field marigold is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Field marigold? ›

How to save an overwatered Field marigold? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Field marigold?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours daily

Full sun or partial sun is ideal. Adequate sun promotes vibrant blooms, healthy foliage, and robust plant health. This ensures a full flowering period, enriching the plant's aesthetic and structural integrity.

Question 1: How much sunlight does Calendula arvensis need ideally? ›

Question 2: What are the best solutions to provide ideal lighting conditions for Calendula arvensis? ›

Question 3: What are the benefits of providing ideal light conditions for Calendula arvensis? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Field marigold?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

Calendula arvensis thrives best between 65°F and 75°F. This temperature range provides optimal conditions for photosynthesis and growth, facilitating lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Ensuring your calendula grows within this range encourages healthy enzymatic activities within the plant.

What Soil is Best for Field marigold?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Calendula arvensis thrives best in soils with excellent drainage. These soils help prevent water logging, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. As a result, the plant can flourish and exhibit vibrant growth. Having a well-aerated soil structure is crucial as it ensures the roots have access to sufficient oxygen. This promotes a healthier root system and in turn, more robust blooms and foliage. While rich soils aren’t necessary, a medium level of nutrients can support the plant’s growth. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it may lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.

How to Fertilize Field marigold?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Calendula arvensis, use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Typically, a general-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to half strength is suitable to maintain healthy foliage and blooms.

How to Prune Field marigold?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by removing any dead or damaged stems. This will prevent disease spread and allow the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth. Cut back overgrown branches to maintain the shape of the plant. Aim for a tidy, rounded appearance, which encourages even light distribution and airflow. Pinch off spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. This technique signals the plant to produce more flowers instead of seeds. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Field marigold plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Harvest seeds from mature Calendula arvensis flowers at the end of the growing season. Ensure seeds are dry and free of any plant material before storing or sowing. Store them in a cool, dry place until ready to propagate in the spring.

Fill a seed tray with a well-draining soil mix, scatter seeds evenly on the surface, and cover lightly with soil. Water gently and place the tray in a warm, bright location, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy, until seedlings emerge.

In early spring, take healthy cuttings from a non-flowering stem of Calendula arvensis. Cut to about 4-6 inches long, remove lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining substrate. Keep cuttings warm and moist.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Field marigold plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Calendula arvensis should be repotted when the roots start peeping out through the drainage holes, signaling they need more space. This often coincides with a slowdown in the plant's growth, usually observed in early spring or autumn, which are also ideal seasons to undertake the task of repotting.

Choose a pot that is a couple of inches wider than the current one to provide extra growth space. The pot should have sufficient drainage holes, ensuring water doesn't stagnate, which can lead to root rot. Terracotta pots are a superb choice due to their breathability; they aid in preventing overwatering conditions by allowing excess moisture to evaporate.

Select a well-draining mix composed of sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Such soil mimics the natural environment of Calendula arvensis, ensuring proper drainage and aeration while providing essential nutrients, thus promoting healthier growth following the repotting process.