Calendula 'Wintersun' Seeds

Calendula officinalis 'Wintersun' is a cut above the average garden marigold. It is famous for its exceptionally large, fully double flowers that can reach up to 7-10cm across.

The colour is a delight—a soft, glowing creamy-yellow that looks like churned butter or pale apricot custard. It brings a sunny, cheerful presence to the border without the harsh glare of traditional bright orange varieties, making it easy to blend into sophisticated planting schemes.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Wintersun'

If you want a Calendula specifically for cutting, this is the one I recommend. The stems are long and robust, holding those heavy, oversized flower heads up high. A single vase of 'Wintersun' lights up a kitchen table instantly.

It is also an edible powerhouse. The petals are large and plentiful, perfect for pulling apart to sprinkle over summer salads, decorate cakes, or even dry for use in homemade teas and balms. It is a hardworking plant that gives you colour, food, and cut flowers all in one.

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, strongest blooms—sow it in autumn to overwinter. It is also a famous "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 large, curled, and very easy to handle, making them great for beginners.

🌱 Germination:
'Wintersun' thrives when sown directly into the soil where it is to flower. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep (they like to be well-covered with soil as darkness aids germination). Keep the soil moist, and they will germinate quickly, usually within 7-14 days.

Where to Sow:
They love full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They are not fussy about soil types and will happily grow in poor, free-draining soil. If you grow them in very rich soil, you might get lots of lush leaves but slightly fewer flowers, so don't overfeed them.

Care While Growing:
The Golden Rule: You must keep picking! If you let the seed heads form, the plant thinks its job is done and will stop flowering. Keep snipping off the old heads (or picking fresh flowers for the house), and it will keep producing buds right through to the first frosts.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if these giant blooms are the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The soft yellow of 'Wintersun' looks fantastic when contrasted with purples and blues. Here are my top pairings from the shop:

• 💙 Cornflowers (Blue): Yellow and Blue is a colour combination that always works. The pastel yellow of 'Wintersun' softens the electric blue of Cornflowers, creating a cheerful, harmonious display.
• 💜 Salvia 'Violet Queen': For a more sophisticated look, pair this Calendula with the deep violet spikes of Salvia. The contrast in both colour and shape (daisy vs spike) makes the border look professionally designed.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

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

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)