When to plant Calendula in London

Calendula officinalis

Calendula
Calendula · Calendula officinalis

Hardy annual for long-lasting edible and ornamental flowers. Sow direct outdoors. Keep picking and deadheading and it will flower for months. It takes full sun, and a little light shade is fine.

45 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors September to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow once in free-draining soil for flowers next year. Protect young plants only when hard frost is forecast.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    22 Sept to 20 Oct

    Sow during 22nd September - 20th October in free-draining soil where the plants are to flower. Cover by . Keep the surface lightly moist until seedlings establish. This is one sowing, not a run of batches.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    6 Oct to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Thin during 6th October - 10th November to . Take out surplus seedlings cleanly so you do not disturb nearby roots.

  3. 03

    Protect Young Plants

    6 Oct to 29 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 6th October to 29th December, keep the seedbed weed-free. Cover with fleece only if hard frost is forecast. Take it off in mild weather.

  4. 04

    Deadhead and Maintain

    20 Apr to 4 Nov 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Flowers open next year, from 20th April 2027 through 4th November 2027. Pick and deadhead fading flowers so plants keep flowering. Water in long dry spells.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Calendula to consider

Pacific Beauty

Mixed orange and yellow flowers on strong, reliable plants.

Indian Prince

Double orange flowers with a darker centre, good for cutting and display.

Snow Princess

Creamy white flowers on neat plants with a clean look in borders and pots.

Oopsy Daisy

Compact plants with double flowers, handy for containers and smaller spaces.

Calendula guides by town

See how Calendula timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.