If you want to know how to grow calendula then you are at the right place.There in this post we also mentioned the top 5 easy tips for growing calendula. So Let’s get started!
Calendula care is simple, resulting in bright yellow and orange flowers that have historically been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The calendula flower, also known as the pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), has long been a staple in British cottage gardens. Petals are used in cooking and were once used as a yellow coloring in cheeses and butters. When used in stews, broths, and salads, these petals add a spicy flavor to many dishes, similar to saffron.
On the other hand, we also mentioned some of the varieties of calendula which are as follow.
Some of the Calendula Varieties
There are total seven varieties of calendula:
- ‘Pink Surprise’: Gold and yellow ruffled flowers with pink edges and dark apricot centers.
- ‘Touch of Red’: Flowers with orange and red tones and red-tipped petals.
- ‘Greenheart Orange’: Flowering plant with orange petals surrounding lime-green centers.
- ‘Citrus Cocktail’: A short, compact plant with yellow and orange flowers that works well in containers.
- ‘Dwarf Gem’: A compact variety with orange, yellow, and apricot double-petal blooms; another good container variety.
- ‘Prince’: A tall, heat-tolerant variety with orange and yellow blooms.
- ‘Golden Princess’ has bright yellow blooms with a black center.
Calendula Growing Instructions
Calendula is very easy to grow from seeds, which germinate and sprout quickly. Flowers’ seeds can be saved and replanted, and the plants will readily self-seed in the garden.
Six to eight weeks before the last frost date, start calendula seeds indoors in a seed starter mix. Alternatively, you can directly sow them in the garden just before the last spring frost date.
The majority of plants bloom within two months of seeding. In the garden, these plants frequently self-seed; do not confuse the seedlings for weeds.
How to Grow Calendula: 5 Easy Tips for Growing Calendula
Below we listed top 5 easy tips for growing calendula:
1. Calendula should be planted correctly
- You can plant calendula seeds ¼ inch deep. Plant your seedlings 6 to 12 inches apart. Maintain moist soil until the seeds sprout.
- Smaller transplants are usually preferable.
- Planting is easier for smaller plants.
- Plant calendula in soil that is fertile and well-drained.
- In square foot gardening, plant 4 calendula per square foot. This is #1 tip on how to grow calendula.
2. Calendula should be properly cared for
- Calendula requires regular watering; do not allow the plant to dry out.
- Cut back flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Calendula thrives in full sun.
- Calendula does not require any additional feeding.
- If the foliage appears wilted, prune plants back to about 3 inches to encourage new growth. This is #2 tip on how to grow calendula.
3. Harvest calendula frequently
Calendula blooms should be harvested when the petals begin to open. Calendula petals can be eaten. The entire calendula flower is used in skin care products such as ointments, salves, oils, and teas.
Blooms that are left on the plant develop quickly into seeds. When the seeds of calendula turn brown, they are ready to harvest.
Because of the large number of seeds produced on each bloom, calendula reseeds easily. This is #3 tip on how to grow calendula.
4. Use calendula in your garden
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to calendula flowers. Calendula is also useful as a trap crop. Aphids and other pests are drawn away from other garden plants by a trap crop.
Calendula is a great plant to grow with carrots, cucumbers, peas, and tomatoes. This is #4 tip on how to grow calendula.
5. Plant calendula at the appropriate time
Calendula (also known as pot marigold) prefers cool temperatures. Calendula grows best during the cooler months of late fall and spring in hot summer areas like Arizona. In colder climates, plant calendula after the last spring frost.
In Arizona’s low desert:
- Start seeds indoors between August and September.
- From September 15 to November 15, plant seeds or transplants outside.
- In Arizona, calendula blooms from December to May.
- Plant calendula every 2 or 3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest. This is #5 tip on how to grow calendula.
Calendula Harvesting: How To Grow Calendula
Although some people find the peppery flavor slightly bitter, calendula flowers and leaves can be used as edible flowers in salads and other recipes, both fresh and dried. The petals can also be used to make a beautiful yellow dye.
Calendula flowers should be picked in the late morning, after the dew has dried. Flowers should be picked when they are fully opened. Spread out the cut flower heads on a screen in a dry, shady spot to dry. Turn them every now and then until they are papery dry, then store in canning jars until ready to use.
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Calendula Potting and Repotting
Although the term “pot marigold” refers to the plant’s traditional use in cooking, calendula is also commonly grown in pots, where it thrives. Most varieties, especially shorter cultivars, grow well in containers.
Make a mixture of half garden soil and half compost, or use any well-draining, organic potting soil. Because this plant dislikes being wet, make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes. Potted plants require regular feedings of a balanced fertilizer.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calendula has no major insect or disease issues. Powdery mildew can occasionally affect the plant, but good air circulation can help.
Slugs and snails may consume the plants, particularly when they are young. To reduce slug and snail damage, keep the ground clear of debris. Aphids and whiteflies can be a nuisance at times. Spray them with water or treat them with insecticidal soap to keep them at bay.
FAQs(How To Grow Calendula)
Q1. When should I gather Calendula seeds?
Instead of deadheading your calendulas in late summer or early fall, leave the faded flowers on the plant until the petals have shriveled and fallen off and the remaining flower heads with the seeds have become dry and tan in color. These are the seeds you’ll need to start the calendula from seed the following spring.
Q2. Is calendula an appropriate companion plant?
Calendula is an excellent vegetable garden companion plant because it attracts pollinators such as bees and bumblebees, as well as beneficial insects. Butterflies are drawn to the bright blooms.