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Calendula 'Wintersun' Seeds
While most annuals surrender to the first frost, 'Wintersun' is just getting started. This incredible variety of Pot Marigold has been bred specifically for cold tolerance, producing large, semi-double blooms in soft shades of creamy-yellow and apricot when the rest of the garden is bare.
If sown in late summer, it will bloom through autumn and often into winter during mild spells, providing a vital lifeline of nectar for bumblebees on sunny winter days. It is a beacon of cheer in the grey months, bringing the warmth of the summer sun into the darkest time of the year.

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Understanding the Plant

Calendula officinalis 'Wintersun' is a robust Hardy Annual (H5). While most marigolds are prized for their summer display, 'Wintersun' is a horticultural specialist, capable of withstanding frost and snow to provide flowers during the British winter months. It is an exceptionally cold-hardy selection of the traditional native Pot Marigold.
The "Winter" Trick: The timing of your sowing dictates the flowering window. While a spring sowing (March-May) yields traditional summer blooms, the real magic of this variety occurs with a late August or September sowing. This allows the plants to establish a strong basal rosette before the deep cold arrives, enabling them to burst into bloom during mild winter spells and very early spring.
Pollinator Lifeline: Calendula is a vital resource for biodiversity. As an RHS Plant for Pollinators, 'Wintersun' provides accessible nectar in January and February—a critical period when very few other species are in bloom—supporting bumblebees that may emerge early during unseasonably warm winter days.

Growing Guide

Calendula seeds are large, curved (resembling tiny seahorses), and exceptionally easy to handle, making them a perfect project for all experience levels.
How to Sow:Direct sow outdoors where they are to flower. For summer blooms, sow March to May. For winter and early spring interest, sow August to September. Scatter the seeds onto prepared soil and cover with approximately 1cm of fine earth. Germination is rapid, typically occurring within 7-10 days.
Where to Plant:They thrive in full sun or partial shade and are remarkably unfussy regarding soil conditions. 'Wintersun' will perform equally well in poor, "hungry" soil or heavy clay, provided the drainage is adequate. This versatility makes it ideal for filling gaps in borders or providing winter colour in patio containers.
Ongoing Care:Deadheading is the secret to a relentless floral display. By removing the spent, sticky seed heads as soon as the petals fade, you prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production and force it to produce a continuous succession of creamy-apricot buds. Regular picking for the vase also serves this purpose and brings winter sunshine indoors.

Plant Specifications

Botanical Name

Calendula officinalis 'Wintersun'

Common Name
Winter Pot Marigold

Plant Type
Hardy Annual

Hardiness

H5 (Very Hardy - to -15°C)

Light Requirements
Full Sun / Part Shade ⛅

Height
50cm - 60cm

Spread
30cm

Spacing
Plant 30cm apart

Flowering Period
Autumn, Winter & Early Spring

Perfect For
❄️ Rare Winter Colour Displays Critical Early Season Nectar Edible "Saffron" Petals✂️ Resilient Cut Flowers

Seeds per Packet
Approximately 100 seeds

Beautiful Garden Combinations

As 'Wintersun' blooms in the cooler months, it pairs spectacularly with autumn-sown available partners from our range:

Wallflower 'Fire King': The Warm Harmony. The fiery orange-red tones of 'Fire King' create a stunning partnership with the creamy-yellow of 'Wintersun'. Both are autumn-sown for a spectacular spring display, provide vital early nectar, and together carry that legendary sweet fragrance that defines the transition from winter to spring.

Forget-me-not (Blue) : The Classic Carpet. Create a timeless spring bedding display by pairing the azure-blue clouds of Forget-me-nots with the golden structure of 'Wintersun'. Blue and orange/yellow are complementary colours that make each other appear more vibrant, creating an effortless cottage garden masterpiece.

Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Direct sow in autumn for a rare winter and early-spring display, or in spring for a traditional harvest of golden summer blooms.

Month
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Direct Sow

✓
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✓
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Flowering
✓
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✨ Edible "Winter Saffron" TipThe petals of 'Wintersun' are 100% edible and possess a mild, peppery flavour similar to saffron. Sprinkle the golden petals over winter soups or salads for an immediate visual pop and a burst of home-grown nutrients.

Robust Garden Stamina
Known for its stamina and ability to thrive in deep cold, Calendula officinalis 'Wintersun' is an essential choice for those wanting to create a vibrant, low-maintenance garden that provides non-stop colour through the darkest months of the year.
Brand:Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden LtdCategory:AnnualSKU:CAL-WINTags:Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd, Shopify Collective