Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy' Seeds
The happy accident flower! Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy' gets its delightful name from its unpredictable, whimsical colour pattern—each creamy-white petal is tipped with a splash of vibrant tangerine-orange (and sometimes vice versa!), looking as if it has been dipped in paint by an enthusiastic child! Every flower is slightly different, creating a playful, "oops-I-spilled-the-paint!" effect that's utterly charming. Unlike traditional tall marigolds, this is a naturally dwarf, bushy variety that rarely exceeds 25-30cm, making it absolutely perfect for window boxes, patio pots, or edging paths where you want neat mounds of colour that won't flop over!
This is a Hardy Annual and the ultimate container calendula—while tall varieties put energy into stems, 'Oopsy Daisy' puts energy into producing a dense carpet of leaves and flowers. It's fast, funny, and incredibly easy to grow, making it a firm favourite for children's gardens! The bicolour petals are 100% edible (imagine those paint-splashed petals sprinkled on cupcakes!), it's beloved by bees (RHS Plants for Pollinators), and like all Calendulas, the flowers close up at night or when rain is approaching—it's a natural "weather reader" that's great for teaching children about how plants respond to nature! Self-seeds generously, thrives on neglect, and provides months of cheerful blooms. This is cottage garden gold for containers, edges, and anywhere you want compact, low-growing, joyful colour!
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Calendula officinalis 'Oopsy Daisy' is a robust Hardy Annual (H3). While standard marigolds are often tall and upright, this dwarf strain has been specifically bred for its mounded, low-growing architecture. It is biologically identical to the hardy native wildflower, surviving temperatures down to -5°C and perfectly suited to the British summer climate.
The "Weather Reader" Biology: Like its taller relatives, 'Oopsy Daisy' exhibits nyctinasty—the circadian rhythmic movement of higher plants in response to the onset of darkness. The flower heads close at night and during periods of low pressure (before rain), a natural biological adaptation designed to protect the pollen and nectar within.
Pollinator Haven: Despite its compact size, 'Oopsy Daisy' is an RHS Plant for Pollinator powerhouse. Its open, accessible flower structure provides a steady supply of high-quality nectar, making it an essential addition to any biodiversity-focused window box or container garden.
🌱 Growing Guide
Calendula seeds are large, curved (resembling tiny seahorses), and exceptionally easy to handle, making them a perfect project for children or first-time gardeners.
How to Sow:
Direct sow outdoors from March to May for summer blooms, or in September for the earliest flowers the following spring. Scatter the seeds onto prepared soil or compost and cover with approximately 1cm of soil; Calendula seeds require darkness to trigger germination. Germination is rapid, typically occurring within 7-10 days.
Where to Plant:
They demand full sun to reach their peak flowering potential and thrive in almost any well-drained soil or multipurpose compost. They perform exceptionally well in "poor" soil; excessive nitrogen will encourage lush green foliage at the expense of the bicolour blooms. Space plants 20cm apart to allow for their neat, mounded habit.
Ongoing Care:
To maintain a non-stop display, you must deadhead regularly. Regular removal of faded flower heads prevents the plant from forming seed and signals it to continue producing fresh, paint-splashed buds until the first hard frosts of autumn. In containers, daily watering during hot spells is essential for continuous performance.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Calendula officinalis 'Oopsy Daisy' |
| Common Name | Dwarf Pot Marigold |
| Plant Type | Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H3 (Hardy through UK summer) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 25cm - 30cm (Dwarf habit) |
| Spread | 30cm |
| Spacing | Plant 20cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to October |
| Perfect For | 🪴 Window Boxes & Balcony Containers 🧒 Educational Children's "Weather Gardens" 🥗 Edible Paint-Splash Garnish 🧱 Neat Front-of-Border Edging |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 100 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
The compact bicolour habit of 'Oopsy Daisy' acts as a vibrant neutral that pairs spectacularly with partners from our available range:
- 🌸 Alyssum 'Royal Carpet': The Perfect Edge Team. Create a stunning two-tier border edge by pairing 'Oopsy Daisy' with the deep purple honey-scented carpet of Alyssum. The creamy-orange tones of the Calendula contrast beautifully with the saturated violet petals, providing a long-season buffet for British bees and hoverflies.
- 🔥 Nasturtium 'Tom Thumb': The Edible Container Dream. Both species are dwarf, compact, and produce 100% edible flowers. The fiery reds and oranges of the Nasturtium provide a warm harmony with the bicolour petals of 'Oopsy Daisy', creating a professional-looking and productive window box display.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Direct sow in spring for a summer-long harvest of paint-splashed blooms, or in autumn for a stronger, earlier display the following spring.
✨ Edible Paint-Splash Tip
The bicolour petals of 'Oopsy Daisy' are 100% edible and possess a mild, peppery flavour. Sprinkle the tangerine-and-cream petals over celebration cupcakes or summer salads for an immediate visual pop.
🏆 Robust Garden Stamina
Known for its stamina and ability to thrive in poor soils, Calendula officinalis 'Oopsy Daisy' is an essential choice for those wanting to create a playful, low-maintenance garden that provides non-stop bicolour blooms for both borders and containers.
📖 Want more detailed growing advice?
View our Complete Growing Guide for Annuals →
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£2.30 - Regular price
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£2.30
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