SPERLI Ringelblume Zwerg Bonbon

A compact pot marigold, just 20 to 30 cm tall, with colourful flowers from July to October – for sunny and partly shaded beds.

The story

Origins & history

The pot marigold comes from the Mediterranean and has been grown in European cottage and monastery gardens for centuries. Its botanical name Calendula derives from the Latin ‘calendae’, the first day of the month – because it can flower over many months. Its German name, Ringelblume, refers to its curved, ring-like seeds.

Uses

Its petals are edible and bring colour to salads; in earlier times they were also used to colour butter and cheese. In the border it flowers into autumn, and it cuts well for small posies. One packet is enough for about 60 plants.

Meaning

Its English name ‘marigold’ goes back to ‘Mary’s gold’. In old gardens it was at once an ornament, a kitchen flower and a piece of popular devotion.

A thought for giving

The pot marigold seed is crooked and unremarkable, yet a whole glowing flower lies within it. What begins small and plain can one day shine.

At a glance

• Contents: 1 packet for approx. 60 plants
• Botanical name: Calendula officinalis
• Life cycle: annual
• Height: 20–30 cm
• Position: sunny, partial shade
• Sow indoors: March–April
• Sow outdoors: April–July
• Flowering: July–October
• Sowing depth: 1–2 cm
• Germination temperature: 15–20 °C
• Germination time: 7–14 days
• Plant spacing: 25 cm
• Row spacing: 25 cm
• Seed type: loose seed
• Cut flower: yes

How to sow

1. Sow indoors on the windowsill from March to April, or sow directly into the bed from April to July.
2. Sow the seeds 1 to 2 cm deep.
3. At 15 to 20 °C they germinate in 7 to 14 days.
4. Plant in sun or partial shade, 25 cm apart in the row with 25 cm between rows.

Delivery time: 1–2 weeks. Manufacturer: SPERLI GmbH. Seeds, not a plant – the image shows the original packet.

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