Introduction
Calendula is one of my favorite flowers. There is no other flower that glows with the same cheerfulness and delight as this one. I have always been in love with these flowers as they have a calming and soothing effect on my mind and soul. However, that’s not all. There are also many other benefits of this flower that makes it one of the most special ones in any garden. This flower repels pests and attracts pollinators. The flower is also edible and comes with many healing properties.
In this article, you will learn everything about growing the beautiful calendula and taking care of it.
Everything You Need to Know About Calendula
Calendula is a bright yellow and orange-colored flower. It is commonly known as pot marigold and its scientific name is Calendula Officinalis. It was historically used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Calendula flowers have been an important part of British cottage gardens for a long time (https://www.planetnatural.com/growing-calendula/). The petals of pot marigolds are used in coloring butter and cheese. These are also added to salads, broths, and stews and give a taste very similar to saffron.
The plant is also used in many cosmetics. It also stimulates our immune system. The leaves and flowers of pot marigold calendula can be dried for later use. With so many diverse uses of calendula, it is best to have this flower in your garden. These plants are frost-tolerant and cold hardy. They also add lasting beauty and color to your flowerbed.
Here is everything you need to know about planting, growing, and taking care of Calendula Officinalis.
Growing Calendulas
Calendulas are annual plants that readily reseed. They can be easily grown from seeds by sowing them directly in the garden. The plants reach 18-24inches in height when they are fully mature. It takes around 45-60 days for the flowers when the plant is grown from seeds. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to plant calendula.
- Seeds should be planted in early spring. You can also start out the seeds indoors and then plant them in your garden once they become sturdy calendula seedlings. If starting indoors, plant them 6 weeks before the last expected frost date (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVc7pRkUpgo).
- When choosing a site for your pot marigold, make sure that you choose a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. The more sun the site receives, the better it is for the growth of your calendulas.
- Well-drained and moderately rich soil is best for your calendula plants to thrive. While the plant may tolerate poor soil conditions, it grows best in a well-nourished soil. The plant doesn’t need any extra feeding or fertilizing once it has established itself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w46LHwBz4_4).
- You can easily grow calendulas in a vegetable garden. Some of the best companions of calendulas include cucumbers, peas, tomatoes, asparagus, carrots, and spring salad vegetables.
- Calendula flowers bloom best in the areas where the weather is cooler and the humidity is low.
- You can cut the flowers to induce new growth and to have more flowers. As mentioned before, calendulas are tough and hardy plants. They can take some frost and continue blooming until hard frost kills them.
Sowing and Planting
Curled seeds should be planted in your garden from early spring onward. You can also start them indoors beforehand. You can also scatter mature seeds from the flowers in the areas where you want to see seedlings in the next season. When sowing seeds, drop them about 6 inches apart from each other to allow maximum space for the plants to grow. After dropping seeds, cover them in about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil (https://www.almanac.com/news/gardening/gardening-advice/growing-calendula-how-grow-pot-marigold). Pat the soil gently around the seed and water it. Your seeds will take about a week to germinate. The plants will start to blossom in about a couple of months.
If you want a continuous display of flowers throughout the spring season, then sow the seeds several times during the spring. You can store the seeds in a dry location away from direct heat or sunlight for up to a year.
Caring for Calendula Plants
Light
Calendulas need full or partial shade to thrive. They don’t do really well in hot summers and prefer the slightly cooler temperatures of early fall or spring.
Watering
It is important to water the plants regularly until they are well-established. Don’t overwater though. Watering should be done when the soil is dry. Too much water can cause the roots to rot and the stress to the plant will make the flower heads droop.
Soil
Calendulas grow fine in ordinary soil but they do prefer optimal soil conditions that offer nutrition and rich organic soil. However, you should go easy on the fertilizers as too much nitrogen can create an abundance of foliage that leads to fewer flowers (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/calendula/growing-calendula.htm). The plant does well in herb garden and meadows. It can also be planted as the flower border for your gardens.
FAQ
Is calendula easy to grow?
Yes, calendulas are easy to plant and also fare easily if you follow the simple directions mentioned above.
Does calendula come back every year?
Calendula is a short-lived perennial flower in the regions with warmer climates. However, it is grown as an annual flower in containers and flower beds.
Can you grow calendula inside?
Yes, as long as you are providing the right soil, nutrients, lighting, and moisture to the plant, you can easily grow calendulas indoors in a container.
How do you plant calendula?
Refer to the information mentioned above to find out how to plant calendula and take care of it for optimal growth.
Conclusion
Calendulas are beautiful flowers that lift your mood the moment you see them. You can easily grow these stunning flowers in your garden. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when growing your Calendula Officinalis:
- Plant the seeds in early spring
- Choose a site that receives plenty of sunlight
- The soil should be well-drained
- Sow the seeds about 6 inches apart to allow maximum space for the plants to thrive to their maximum
Planting calendulas is not a tough task. The outcome is stunning yellow and orange colored flowers that make everyone go wow because of their gorgeousness. If you are planning to start calendulas in your garden, then refer to the information above. Need any more tips or have any other questions? Get in touch with us in the comments and we will get back to you.