A dwarf variety, but one with large and abundant flowers that come in a unique shade for Calendula. Calendula ‘Double Lemon’ boasts large, double and semi-double blooms in a soft lemon colour with a deeper yellow heart. Unlike taller varieties that tend to sprawl and become ungainly, Calendula ‘Double Lemon’ remains a tidy, bushy mound, making an elegant display for sunny borders and containers or a colourful edge for vegetable beds. The edible petals are perfect for adding a sprinkle of colour to salads. These hardy annuals are reliable and easy to grow, thriving on almost any soil. They can be sown in the autumn for the very earliest flowers. Height: 40cm (16in). Spread: 20cm (8in).
Sowing Information
Direct sow calendula seeds outdoors where they are to grow from April to May. Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 1cm (1/2″) in drills spaced 30cm (12″) apart and cover seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 5-10 days. When calendula seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12″) apart.
Alternatively, sow indoors from March to April at a temperature of 18-23C (65-73F). When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. For winter or early spring flowering, sow calendula in late summer or early autumn and grow plants on in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.
