Calendula officinalis 'Bull’s Eye' – Striking Blooms for a Vibrant Garden

Brighten your garden with Calendula officinalis 'Bull’s Eye', a stunning Pot Marigold variety known for its vivid orange and yellow blooms with contrasting centers. This hardy annual is easy to grow, making it perfect for garden beds, borders, containers, and pollinator gardens. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, ‘Bull’s Eye’ offers long-lasting color, pollinator attraction, and medicinal benefits.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis 'Bull’s Eye'
• Common Name: Pot Marigold 'Bull’s Eye'
• Plant Type: Hardy annual
• Flower Color: Bright orange and yellow with a bold central ring
• Mature Height: 12 to 18 inches
• Spread: 10 to 14 inches
• Growth Habit: Bushy, upright
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate; tolerates short dry periods
• Blooming Season: Spring to early autumn
• Uses: Borders, containers, pollinator gardens, medicinal and edible gardens

Why Grow Calendula officinalis 'Bull’s Eye'?

• Bold, Eye-Catching Blooms – Bright, two-toned flowers make a striking visual impact.
• Attracts Pollinators – Draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Fast-Growing & Low-Maintenance – Thrives in various soil types and is easy to care for.
• Edible & Medicinal Uses – Petals are edible and commonly used in herbal teas, salves, and skincare.
• Extended Bloom Period – Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering.

How to Grow Calendula officinalis 'Bull’s Eye' from Seeds

Seed Sowing Instructions

• Best Time to Sow: Early spring (after last frost) or late summer for autumn blooms.
• Sowing Method:
  • Direct sow outdoors in prepared soil or start indoors in seed trays for earlier blooms.
  • Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil (¼ inch deep).
• Germination Conditions:
  • Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (16-21°C)
  • Germination Time: 7-14 days

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination.
• Fertilization: Requires minimal feeding; occasional balanced fertilizer supports healthy growth.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Naturally resistant to pests, but monitor for aphids or mildew in humid conditions.

Companion Planting Suggestions

• Enhances vegetable gardens by repelling pests near tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce.
• Pairs well with Zinnias, Nasturtiums, and Cosmos for a bold floral display.
• Complements Chamomile, Echinacea, and Lavender in an herbal garden.

Bring Vibrancy to Your Garden with 'Bull’s Eye' Calendula

With its stunning two-toned blooms, easy-growing nature, and pollinator-friendly appeal, Calendula officinalis 'Bull’s Eye' is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether grown for its beauty, herbal benefits, or natural pest-repelling properties, this Pot Marigold is sure to enhance any landscape.