CALENDULA ORANGE FLASH

With unusual rose copper toned 1 1/2-3" blooms with a bronze centre and a hint of peach and cream to the petals, these uniform plants are perfect for cutting and can be used as an edible flower in salads. Quick, easy to grow and perfect for almost any garden situation. 18-24". HA.

Calendula, sometimes called Pot Marigolds, brighten up your garden with zingy yellows, bright oranges and calming creams. Calendula is a member of the same family as daisies and chrysanthemums. The petals are edible and have a lightly bitter flavour, although the flowers have no fragrance.

Calendula add colour to borders and grows well in containers. As well as attracting beneficial pollinators and looking cheerful in a vase, Calendula is used in herbal medicine and as a dye plant.

Calendula is easy to grow from seed. It can be direct sown in the spring or autumn, or started indoors for transplanting in spring.

Rake the soil to a fine, crumbly texture and make drills 12mm deep and 30cm apart. Thinly scatter the seed into the drills and cover over with soil. Keep moist without over-wetting until established. Thin out the seedlings to about 30 cm apart. Rich soil and a full sun location will keep your Calendula blooming happily.