A new twist on the medicinal cottage-garden flower, this fancy beauty makes other calendulas look plain. Bronzy-orange petals fade to a delicate light pink, artfully contrasting with the yellow base and maroon back. Add the edible petals to salads and sandwiches or use as a garnish for a pretty touch.

Family: Asteraceae

Native: Probably the Mediterranean region

Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual; may reseed to come back following year.

Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Period: Spring to frost

Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall

Variety Info: 1½"–2½" fully double, bronzy-orange petals that fade to a delicate light pink, contrasting with the yellow base and maroon back.

Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant, Edible Flower

When to Sow Outside: Cold Climates: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Mild Climates: Early spring for summer bloom and late summer for winter bloom. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 68°–85°F.

When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date; recommended for cold climates.

Days to Emerge: 5–15 days

Seed Depth: ¼"–½"

Seed Spacing: A group of 4 seeds every 12"

Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"