Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Calendula Wintersun
Calendula Wintersun
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Calendula 'Wintersun' Seeds
While most annuals surrender to the first frost, 'Wintersun' is just getting started. This incredible variety of Pot Marigold has been bred specifically for cold tolerance, producing large, semi-double blooms in soft shades of creamy-yellow and apricot when the rest of the garden is bare.
If sown in late summer, it will bloom through autumn and often into winter during mild spells, providing a vital lifeline of nectar for bumblebees on sunny winter days. It is a beacon of cheer in the grey months, bringing the warmth of the summer sun into the darkest time of the year.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Calendula is a Hardy Annual.
It is one of the toughest plants you can grow. 'Wintersun' takes this hardiness to the next level.
The "Winter" Trick: If you sow it in Spring, it will bloom in Summer like a normal marigold. To get winter flowers, you must sow it in late August or September. The plants will establish before the cold sets in and bloom during mild spells in winter or very early spring.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Calendula seeds are large, curved (like little seahorses), and very easy to handle.
Germination:
Sow directly outdoors where they are to flower. For summer blooms, sow March-May. For winter/early spring blooms, sow August-September. Cover seeds with 1cm of soil. Germination is rapid (7-10 days).
Where to Sow:
They thrive in **sun or partial shade**. They are not fussy about soil conditions and will grow happily in poor, free-draining soil or heavy clay.
Care While Growing:
Deadhead: This is the secret to non-stop flowers. Remove the sticky seed heads as soon as the petals drop, and the plant will rush to produce more buds.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Calendula officinalis |
| Common Name | Pot Marigold 'Wintersun' |
| Hardiness | H5 (Hardy - withstands cold winters) |
| Light Required | Sun or Part Shade ⛅ |
| Height | ↕️ 50cm - 60cm |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 30cm apart |
| Great for | ❄️ Winter Gardening 🥗 Edible Petals 🐝 Winter Pollinators ✂️ Cut Flowers |
| Seed Count | Approx. 100 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Because 'Wintersun' flowers in the cooler months, it pairs beautifully with other hardy stars:
- 🥗 Winter Salad Leaves: The Potager Pair. Growing bright orange Calendula alongside rows of winter lettuce and chard creates a stunning, edible display that looks good even in December.
- 💜 Wallflowers (Erysimum): The Spring Team. If you sow 'Wintersun' in autumn, it will be in full bloom just as the purple Wallflowers open in spring. The orange and purple combination is a classic.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in spring for summer flowers, or autumn for winter/spring flowers.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Spring | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||||
| Sow Autumn | 🟢 | 🟢 | ||||||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Edible Flowers
The petals of 'Wintersun' are edible! They have a mild, peppery flavour (like saffron). Sprinkle the golden petals over winter soups or salads for a burst of sunshine.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
Calendula is a lifeline for nature. It is listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, providing accessible nectar when few other plants are in bloom.
