How To Grow Calendula Flowers

Posted on 2021-08-032024-09-12 by Bert Swope

How to Grow Calendula Flowers

Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, is a cheerful and versatile plant that not only brightens up gardens but also serves various purposes in herbal remedies, cosmetics, and cooking. Growing calendula is a simple and rewarding experience for both beginner and experienced gardeners. This guide will take you through the key steps of growing calendula flowers, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting the blossoms.

Introduction to Calendula

Calendula officinalis, known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, is native to southern Europe but can thrive in a wide range of climates and conditions. It is often grown as an annual but can sometimes act as a short-lived perennial in warmer climates. Calendula plants are appreciated not only for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities.

Why Grow Calendula?

Easy to Grow — Calendula is an ideal choice for beginners because it is hardy and relatively low maintenance.
Versatile Uses — Beyond its ornamental value, calendula petals are edible and can be used in salads, teas, and other dishes. The flowers are also used to make balms, creams, and salves that promote skin healing.
Attracts Pollinators — Calendula flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a great addition to vegetable and herb gardens.

Choosing the Right Calendula Variety

There are numerous varieties of calendula, differing in color, flower size, and plant height. Some popular varieties include:

Pacific Beauty — Known for its large, bright orange and yellow flowers.
Alpha — A dwarf variety, perfect for container gardening.
Bon Bon — A compact variety with double-petaled flowers.
Indian Prince — This variety boasts deep orange flowers with maroon undersides.

Choose a variety based on your growing space and the desired aesthetic for your garden.

Growing Conditions for Calendula

Calendula is a resilient plant, but it thrives best when provided with the ideal conditions. Below are the key growing conditions:

Sunlight — Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Aim for 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil — The plant grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Calendula is not particularly fussy about soil quality and can tolerate poor soils, but adding organic matter like compost can improve flower production.
Watering — Calendula prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Consistent watering is key, especially during hot weather, to prevent the plants from wilting.
Temperature — Calendula is a cool-weather plant and can tolerate mild frosts. The ideal temperature range for growing calendula is between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
Spacing — Space calendula plants about 12 inches apart to allow proper air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

How to Plant Calendula

Direct Seeding

Calendula is easy to grow from seeds, and direct seeding is the most common method. Here’s how:

Timing — Sow calendula seeds directly in the garden in early spring, after the last frost. You can also plant them in the fall in milder climates.
Sowing Depth — Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep in the soil.
Spacing — Space seeds 12-18 inches apart.
Watering — Water the seeds lightly but consistently until they germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.
Thinning — Once the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to about 12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.

Transplanting

Calendula can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplanted into the garden. To transplant:

Starting Indoors — Sow seeds in seed-starting trays and place them in a sunny window or under grow lights.
Harden Off — Before transplanting, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Transplanting — Transplant when the seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall, spacing them 12 inches apart in the garden.

Care and Maintenance of Calendula

Once planted, calendula requires minimal care. However, a few maintenance tips will help ensure healthy plants and abundant blooms.

Deadheading — Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Deadheading prevents the plant from going to seed prematurely.
Fertilizing — Calendula is not a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting, and you won’t need to fertilize again for the rest of the growing season.
Pests and Diseases — Calendula is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally attract aphids and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water to dislodge pests. Powdery mildew can be a problem in humid conditions. To prevent this, space the plants properly and avoid overhead watering.
Mulching — Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.

Harvesting Calendula Flowers

Calendula flowers can be harvested throughout the growing season. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.

How to Harvest — Use sharp scissors or pruners to snip the flowers from the plant, leaving about an inch of stem.
Drying the Flowers — To preserve calendula for later use in teas or salves, dry the flowers by spreading them out in a single layer in a warm, well-ventilated area. Once fully dried, store them in an airtight container.
Edible Uses — Calendula petals can be added to salads, soups, and other dishes for a pop of color and a mild, peppery flavor.

Saving Calendula Seeds

Calendula is a self-seeding plant, meaning it will drop seeds and regrow the following year if left undisturbed. However, if you wish to save seeds for future planting, follow these steps:

Allow Flowers to Go to Seed — Stop deadheading toward the end of the growing season to allow the flowers to form seed heads.
Harvest Seeds — When the seed heads are dry and brown, gently pull them from the plant.
Storage — Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them next season.

Companion Planting with Calendula

Calendula is an excellent companion plant that can benefit other plants in your garden. Some of its companion planting benefits include:

Pest Deterrence — Calendula can deter harmful pests like aphids and nematodes, making it a great companion for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
Pollinator Attraction — The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can increase fruit and vegetable yields.

Uses of Calendula in Herbal Medicine

Calendula has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its flowers have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-healing properties, making it a common ingredient in salves, creams, and teas. Calendula salve is often used to soothe skin irritations, minor burns, and cuts. The petals can also be infused in oils or brewed into teas to promote digestion and reduce inflammation.

Table of Important Concepts and Principles

Concept	Description
Sunlight	Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil	Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0; tolerates poor soil but thrives with organic matter.
Watering	Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Spacing	Space plants 12-18 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and prevent disease.
Deadheading	Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent early seeding.
Companion Planting	Calendula deters pests like aphids and attracts pollinators, beneficial for nearby vegetable crops.
Seed Saving	Allow flowers to form seed heads at the end of the season to collect seeds for future planting.
Harvesting Flowers	Harvest flowers in the morning after dew dries, cut with sharp scissors.
Medicinal Uses	Anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties make calendula valuable in herbal remedies.

Conclusion

Growing calendula is not only a rewarding experience for gardeners of all skill levels but also offers numerous benefits, from beautifying the garden to providing medicinal and culinary uses. With minimal care and maintenance, calendula will thrive and reseed, ensuring its presence in your garden for years to come.