7.8.12

Calendula 'Zeolights'

I've been content with growing Calendula officinalis in my garden for years. Pot marigold, as it is most commonly known, is a great garden annual that can be grown in a container garden, or in the ground in poor soil. A couple of years ago at a seed trade a friend talked me into picking up some Calendula ‘Zeolights’ seeds. I reluctantly took the seeds and put them away. This spring I decided to give them a try and am now wondering why I didn’t grow ‘Zeolights’ in my garden before. 

Calendula officinalis 'Zeolights'


Calendula ‘Zeolights’ was bred by plantsman Frank Morton, and when completely unfurled the large blooms resemble Gerbera Daisies. As the buds opened they looked a bright yellow that made me question why I made space for this when the common calendula looks just as nice.



Then the blooms opened up revealing these beautiful, fiery blooms in yellow, peach and bronze petals. As the flower gets older, the petals seem to get darker, and when fully splayed are evocative of a lion’s mane. If you’re looking for an annual to add to your garden next year that provides a nice splash of color give Calendula ‘Zeolights’ a chance. The common calendula blooms well into fall for me--only dying with the first frost--and if ‘Zeolights’ is anything like it, the colors of this bloom will look great in the fall garden.

How to Collect and Save Calendula Seeds




In the archives of this garden blog there’s a post on how to save calendula seeds which has pictures you can follow. The video above has the same information, but presented in an abridged format for easier consumption.

Calendula seeds are easy to harvest and save for next year, or to use in trades. Given that this is my first year growing ‘Zeolights’ and I’ve never saved seeds from it before I can’t tell you whether it will come true from seeds, but there’s never any harm in experimenting. Like with Calendula officinalis, the petals of ‘Zeolights’ are edible--I tested them--and can be added to soups and salads.

Want to save more seeds in your garden? Check out the seed saving tab for previous posts and videos on collecting and saving seeds.


21 comments:

  1. Have never been a fan od marigolds, but love this one. Am going in search os seeds now! Thanks.

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    1. It's really nice, isn't it? It unfortunately doesn't have the medicinal qualities of officionalis, but it's still a decorative and edible annual for the garden.

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  2. I have seen these before, didn't realize they are so pretty. I found a calendula that is really dark orange and with tiny petals. I am saving the seeds on that one for next year.

    I will try this calendula next year, it looks so elegant.

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    1. I think one of the reasons I didn't grow it before is because the botanical illustrations used on some of the seed packets do not do it justice. It's a lot prettier than the drawing would have you believe.

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  3. Love your blog about seeds. Sunflowers are what's on my mind and wonder if you grew any this year?
    I grew five different sunflowers this year and was pretty happy with the results. I like the small headed flowers, and soft colors but a mix is best. The Vanilla you mention in an old post is 'Vanilla Ice' and it's a very nice pale, pale yellow sunflower, with five or six branches blooming at all times, moving beautifully in a breeze. Another good continuously blooming one is 'Autumm Beauty', which is supposed to be a mix of colors. The seeds do look different but all the ones, about 8 that germinated are an orange-yellow with dark center. Very cheerful color, smallish heads about 6 inches wide. Wish I could share photos but have been unable to get what I want.
    An early blooming one is 'Del Sol' from Burpee; yep, it started blooming early July.
    You can see I love sunflowers!
    Great Blog.
    Just read about Calendulas; also a good post. Am planning to grow a different of sunflowers nextyear so I;m looking for suggestions.
    No blog yet.....

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    1. Chris,

      I recommend the darker sunflower varieties like 'Autumn Beauty' and the dark reds and chocolate blooms if you like sunflowers. Also, the giants like 'Mammoth' are pretty dramatic.

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  4. I'm a big fan and was surprised calendulas grew well in Chicago. I've always thought they[d wither when it got real hot. I do believe their petals brighten up a salad. Have you heard that before?
    Best,
    Patrick

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    1. Hi Patrick, Calendula are very tolerant of the heat around here. They're pretty much a perfect annual. The young leaves and petals do brighten up a salad.

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  5. These are really pretty! I hate when i wait a while to do something, and then when I do, it is just wonderful! So many things to discover in life!! Fantastic! I will look for these for sure! Thanks!!!!

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    1. Hi Julie,

      I know what you mean. I don't know why I waited so long to grow these beautiful flowers. Hope you give them a try in your garden.

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  6. OOOO - these are stunning. I have got to add them to my "must grow" list. Love that you always have seed saving tips!

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    1. You should give them a try, they're really pretty flowers.

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  7. I must admit I prefer the vulgar orange of the standard pot marigold. We don't have this variety in Australia yet but will give it a try if I see it. I love them flowering in frost free areas in winter/spring.

    Enjoying your blog

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    1. Hi Silas,

      Ha. I had never thought of the standard orange as being "vulgar" but I think I agree. Whenever I take pictures of it I always think it looks too loud and like I manipulated the colors.

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  8. I have nevver grown this plant, don't know why. It is lovely and will look for it next spring.

    Eileen

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    1. You should give it a try. It's a nice calendula, and would look right at home in your garden considering how colorful your garden looks on your blog.

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  9. My friend Meg was a huge fan of calendulas. I love them, and this one is especially pretty. Wish I had more sun!

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    1. You haven't had success calendula in shade? One year officionalis reseeded itself alongside the north side of the house and did pretty well there.

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  10. Pretty flower! You have an awesome blog; thanks for hosting it.

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    1. Thanks for the compliment Asha. Glad you're enjoying the garden blog.

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  11. Very pretty! I'd like to try those myself next season, I have lots of sun at my apartment.

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