Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy' Seeds

Calendula officinalis 'Oopsy Daisy' is a variety that doesn't take itself too seriously. It gets its name from its unique colour pattern: the petals are a soft, creamy white, but the tips look as though they have been accidentally dipped in bright orange paint!

This is a dwarf variety, growing into neat, compact mounds rather than tall, sprawling bushes. The single to semi-double flowers are abundant and cheerful, sitting atop the foliage like little porcelain saucers. It is charming, fun, and incredibly easy to grow.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Oopsy Daisy'

We love this plant for containers. Because it stays short (approx 25cm), it won't flop over in a pot or window box. It is the perfect choice for "patio gardening" or for lining the edge of a path.

It is also a fantastic "entry level" plant for children. The seeds are large and easy to handle, the name is funny, and the flowers appear quickly. Like all Calendulas, the petals are edible—imagine how sweet these bi-colour petals would look sprinkled over a summer cupcake!

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Calendula is a Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its life cycle in one year. Because it is "Hardy," it is tough enough to withstand cold weather. You can sow it in spring for summer flowers, or—for the earliest blooms—sow it in autumn to overwinter. It is also a generous self-seeder, often dropping seeds that will pop up as free plants the following year.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Calendula seeds are distinctive—they look like little curved dried worms! They are large and very easy to handle.

🌱 Germination:
'Oopsy Daisy' prefers to be sown directly into the soil where it is to flower. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep (they need darkness to germinate). Keep the soil moist, and they will germinate quickly, usually within 7-14 days.

Where to Sow:
They love full sun. Because this is a dwarf variety, make sure you sow it at the front of the border or in pots, otherwise it will get hidden behind taller plants.

Care While Growing:
Keep Picking! Calendula is desperate to set seed. If you let the seed heads form, the plant stops flowering. If you keep deadheading (snipping off the old flowers), this little plant will just keep going and going, often right through until November.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this compact daisy is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

'Oopsy Daisy' is a low-growing charmer, so it needs companions that won't overshadow it. Here are my top pairings from the shop:

• 💜 Alyssum 'Royal Carpet': This is a lovely match for pots. The deep violet of the Alyssum contrasts with the orange tips of the Calendula, and both plants stay low and neat together.
• 💙 Cornflowers (Blue): For a border display, plant 'Oopsy Daisy' in front of tall Cornflowers. The height difference works perfectly, and the blue/orange colour contrast is vibrant and summery.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow direct outdoors in spring or autumn. Successional sowing extends the harvest.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)