
Photo: André Karwath aka Aka, CC BY-SA 2.5 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Pot marigold: when and how to prune
Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold is best pruned in June–October.
| Pruning months | June–October |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–October |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Pot marigold: when to prune it?
From June to October, remove faded flowers; in summer, cut back by a third if needed.
What else to prune in those months? June · July · August · September · October
Pot marigold: how to prune it?
- Cut each faded flower back to the next leaf or bud.
- If the plant becomes tall and floppy in July–August, cut it back by a third: it will regrow and flower again in autumn.
- Pull up the plants after the first frost and put them on the compost heap; let a few seed heads ripen for next year.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–October.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Pot marigold · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.