Growli

Overwintering guide

How to overwinter calendula

Verdict
Grown as an annual
When
Lift or take cuttings before the first frost — or let it finish and save seed.
Hardiness
Calendula is grown as an annual — it is frost-tender and naturally finishes at the end of the season, whatever your zone.

Winter watering

If you do keep it going indoors, water sparingly — just enough that the compost never dries out completely — and do not feed until growth restarts in spring.

The mistake that kills calendula in winter

Leaving calendula outside over winter expecting it back in spring. As an annual it will not return — seed or cuttings are the only way to carry it forward.

More calendula care

Overwintering calendula — FAQ

Does calendula need to come indoors for winter?

Calendula is grown as an annual — it is frost-tender and naturally finishes at the end of the season, whatever your zone. In most climates calendula is grown as an annual, so there is usually nothing to overwinter — the plant completes its life cycle and dies back with the first frosts. If you want to carry it over, lift it before the first frost and grow it on in the brightest window you have, or take cuttings; otherwise collect seed and start fresh in spring, which is what most growers do.

When should I move calendula for winter?

Lift or take cuttings before the first frost — or let it finish and save seed.

How often should I water calendula in winter?

If you do keep it going indoors, water sparingly — just enough that the compost never dries out completely — and do not feed until growth restarts in spring.

What kills calendula over winter?

Leaving calendula outside over winter expecting it back in spring. As an annual it will not return — seed or cuttings are the only way to carry it forward.