Edible flowers
Calendula
Fresh flower petals from correctly identified, unsprayed plants.
Sowing & planting windows in Australia
Planting timing varies by broad Australian gardening zone. Local weather, unusual seasons and your garden’s microclimate can shift timing.
Cool
Sow · Feb–Apr, Sep–Nov
Core months: February, March, April, September, October, November
Possible / shoulder months: May, June, July, August
Temperate
Sow · Feb–May
Core months: February, March, April, May
Possible / shoulder months: January, September, October, November
Subtropical
Sow · Mar–Jun
Core months: March, April, May, June
Possible / shoulder months: February, July, August, September, October, November
Tropical
Sow · Mar–May, Aug–Oct
Core months: March, April, May, August, September, October
Possible / shoulder months: February, June, July, November
Arid
Sow · Mar–May, Sep–Oct
Core months: March, April, May, September, October
Possible / shoulder months: January, February, August, November
Getting started
Sow directly where plants will grow; thin seedlings to the spacing needed at maturity.
The right conditions
Choose full sun, fertile free-draining soil and reliable moisture.
As it grows
Water consistently while establishing, keep weeds down and provide support where the mature habit needs it. Watch for local pests and remove damaged growth.
Ready to harvest
Use only correctly identified, unsprayed calendula; pick dry, freshly opened flowers and separate the petals.
Related how-to guides
Harvest edible flowers safely
Confirm the exact species and edible part.
Plant guidance: Desk-reviewed; not field-tested. Planting windows are a guide rather than a rule.