Vibrant Blooms for Culinary, Medicinal, and Ornamental Use

Calendula Alpha is a versatile annual herb that produces bright orange, daisy-like flowers measuring 2-3.5 inches wide. This variety matures quickly, typically blooming within 8-10 weeks from sowing. Alpha stands out for its high resin content, making it particularly valuable for medicinal applications. Known also as pot marigold, this cultivar has been cherished for centuries for its multifaceted uses in gardens, kitchens, and traditional medicine.

The Alpha variety excels in its triple-threat capacity as a culinary, medicinal, and ornamental plant. Its edible petals offer a tangy, slightly bitter flavor that can add a pop of color and taste to salads, cakes, and other dishes. Medicinally, Alpha’s high resin content makes it ideal for creating tinctures, salves, and ointments used to treat various skin conditions. As an ornamental, its vibrant orange blooms brighten gardens and make excellent cut flowers, lasting long after harvesting.

Calendula Alpha grows in a bush-like habit, reaching heights of 24-30 inches. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. This prolific bloomer produces flowers continuously from spring through summer, and even into fall with proper care. For best results, harvest flowers in the early morning when they’re about 50% open, and remove spent blooms regularly to encourage further flowering.

Growing Success Tips:

• Sow seeds directly after the last frost or start indoors 4-5 weeks before transplanting
• Space plants 6-12 inches apart to ensure good air circulation
• Water moderately; Calendula Alpha is somewhat drought-tolerant
• Mulch to keep soil cool and retain moisture in warmer climates

Calendula Alpha offers an exceptional combination of beauty and utility for home gardeners, herbalists, and culinary enthusiasts alike. Its ease of cultivation and myriad uses make it a valuable addition to any garden space.

Tip: For continuous blooms, make successive sowings every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.

Product Features

• Bright orange double blooms, 2-3.5 inches wide
• High resin content for medicinal applications
• Edible petals with tangy, mildly bitter flavor
• Annual plant with bush-like growth habit

Growing Information

• Height: 24-30 inches
• Spacing: 6-12 inches apart
• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Water needs: Average
• Days to maturity: 55-60 days

Key Benefits

• Versatile use in culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications
• Long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements
• Attracts beneficial insects, supporting garden ecosystem
• Easy to grow and maintain, suitable for beginners