Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Calendula Oopsy Daisy
Calendula Oopsy Daisy
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Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy' Seeds
'Oopsy Daisy' gets its name from its delightful, unpredictable 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.
Unlike traditional tall marigolds, this is a naturally dwarf, bushy variety that rarely exceeds 30cm. This makes it absolutely perfect for window boxes, patio pots, or edging a path where you want a neat mound of colour that won't flop over. It is fast, funny, and incredibly easy to grow, making it a firm favourite for children's gardens.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Calendula is a Hardy Annual.
'Oopsy Daisy' is a compact strain of Calendula officinalis. While tall varieties put energy into stems, this one puts energy into producing a dense carpet of leaves and flowers.
The "Weather Reader": Like all Calendulas, the flowers close up at night or when rain is approaching. It’s a great way to teach children about how plants respond to nature!
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
This is the ultimate beginner seed. It thrives on neglect.
Germination:
Sow directly outdoors where they are to flower (or in their final pots). For summer blooms, sow March-May. For early spring blooms next year, sow in Autumn (Sept). Cover seeds with 1cm of soil. Germination takes 7-10 days.
Where to Sow:
They love **full sun**. Because they are short, they are perfect for the front of a border, rockeries, or containers. They tolerate poor soil easily.
Care While Growing:
Deadhead: Even dwarf varieties need deadheading. Pinch off the old flower heads to keep the plant neat and blooming continuously until the first frost.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Common Name | Pot Marigold 'Oopsy Daisy' |
| Hardiness | H5 (Hardy - withstands cold winters) |
| Light Required | Sun or Part Shade ⛅ |
| Height | ↕️ 20cm - 30cm (Dwarf) |
| Spread | ↔️ 25cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 20cm apart |
| Great for | 🏺 Pots & Tubs 👶 Kids Gardening 🥗 Edible Petals 🧱 Edging Paths |
| Seed Count | Approx. 100 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Because 'Oopsy Daisy' is short, it pairs best with other low-growing annuals:
- 💙 Lobelia 'Crystal Palace': The Container Mix. The deep indigo blue of Lobelia makes the creamy-orange of 'Oopsy Daisy' pop. Plant them together in a window box for a stunning blue-and-orange display.
- 🍓 Strawberries: The Edible Bed. Since 'Oopsy Daisy' stays low, it makes excellent ground cover around strawberry plants, attracting pollinators to ensure a good fruit set.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in spring for summer flowers, or autumn for early spring flowers.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Spring | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Sow Autumn | 🟢 | 🟢 | ||||||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Edible Garnish
The petals are 100% edible. They have a mild, peppery flavour. The bicolour petals of 'Oopsy Daisy' look amazing sprinkled on cupcakes or summer salads.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
Calendula is a lifeline for nature. It is listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, producing high-quality nectar that is easily accessible to bees.
