How to Grow Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a bright and cheerful flower beloved for its vibrant orange and yellow petals. This hardy annual is not only prized for its stunning appearance but also for its impressive range of medicinal and culinary benefits. Calendula's sunny blooms bring warmth to any garden, and its ability to grow easily and thrive in various conditions makes it a favorite among gardeners. But beyond its beauty, calendula has been used for centuries for its healing properties, particularly in skincare products, ointments, and herbal teas.

Native to southern Europe, calendula is well-suited to a variety of climates, especially cooler regions, where it can bloom from spring to fall. In addition to being a gorgeous ornamental flower, calendula is also valued in herbal medicine for its ability to soothe irritated skin, aid in wound healing, and reduce inflammation. Its petals can be harvested and infused into oils, creams, and tinctures, making calendula an incredibly useful herb in your natural wellness routine.

Whether you're looking to add color to your garden, make your own herbal remedies, or simply enjoy the vibrant blooms, growing calendula from seed is an easy and rewarding gardening project. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of cultivating calendula from seed, covering everything from sowing and caring for the plants to harvesting the petals for use.

Why Grow Calendula

Calendula is an exceptional plant for several reasons:

• Medicinal Uses: Calendula is widely used in natural medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and healing properties. It is particularly beneficial for skin care, helping to soothe cuts, burns, and rashes. Calendula-infused oils and creams are gentle and widely available as natural remedies.
• Edible Flowers: The petals of calendula are edible and often used in salads, soups, and teas. They have a mild, slightly peppery flavor and can also be used to garnish dishes or as a natural food coloring.
• Aesthetic Beauty: Calendula flowers come in a range of warm colors, from golden yellow to deep orange, making them a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help support the biodiversity of your garden.
• Easy to Grow: Calendula is a hardy and low-maintenance flower that thrives in both poor and fertile soils. It's perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone looking for a flower that can handle diverse growing conditions.
• Natural Pest Control: Calendula helps to attract beneficial insects to your garden, which can help reduce pests. Its strong scent can also repel unwanted bugs like aphids and whiteflies.

Types of Calendula

Calendula flowers come in various forms, but the most common and widely grown variety is Calendula officinalis. There are several cultivars of this species, each with slight differences in flower size, color, and growth habit. Some notable types of calendula include:

• 'Pacific Beauty’: This popular variety has large, fully double flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and gold. It's an excellent choice for cutting and floral arrangements.
• 'Resina’: Known for its high resin content, this variety is commonly grown for medicinal purposes. Its flowers are deep golden yellow and are prized for their potency in herbal remedies.
• 'Lemonade’: A more compact variety that produces pale yellow to light orange blooms, 'Lemonade' is perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
• 'Snow Princess': With white and pale yellow flowers, this variety adds a touch of elegance to gardens and is a great choice for mixed flower beds.
• 'Indian Prince': This variety is known for its vibrant orange-red flowers with dark centers, adding a rich contrast to your garden.

The flowers of these varieties all share the same basic medicinal properties, so the choice of cultivar will come down to personal preference in terms of color, size, and growth habit.

How to Grow Calendula from Seed

Calendula is incredibly easy to grow from seed, even for beginners. With its quick germination, low-maintenance care, and adaptability, calendula is a perfect flower to cultivate. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you grow calendula from seed:

1. Selecting Calendula Seeds

Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate, ensuring a robust start to your garden. Whether you're growing calendula for medicinal use or ornamental purposes, ensure you choose a variety suited to your climate and needs. Calendula seeds are widely available, and many suppliers offer organic or heirloom options for gardeners interested in sustainable gardening practices.

2. When to Start Calendula Seeds

Calendula is relatively frost-hardy and can be planted in both the spring and fall in many regions:

• Indoor Sowing: If you live in a region with a shorter growing season or colder temperatures, it's best to start your calendula seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. This gives the plants a strong start before being transplanted outdoors. Calendula is quick to grow, so even if you start indoors, the plants will quickly catch up.
• Direct Sowing: If you live in a mild climate, you can sow the seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date. Calendula can tolerate cooler temperatures and even a light frost, so it's an excellent plant for spring and fall gardens.

3. Preparing the Soil

Calendula is a versatile plant that thrives in a range of soil types, but it performs best in loose, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Here's how to prepare your soil:

• Location: Choose a sunny location, as calendula needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will tolerate partial shade, but full sun encourages the best growth and flowering.
• Soil Quality: While calendula is not particularly fussy about soil, it grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
• Soil Preparation: For outdoor planting, loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches and work in organic matter. For container gardening, use a well-draining potting mix. If your soil tends to be heavy, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.

4. Sowing Calendula Seeds

Calendula seeds are easy to sow and require minimal effort. Here's how to do it correctly:

• Sowing Depth: Calendula seeds are relatively large, so you can plant them about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in the soil. If you're sowing directly in the garden, scatter the seeds thinly and press them gently into the soil.
• Spacing: Space your seeds about 6-12 inches apart to give the plants enough room to grow. Calendula will spread out as it matures, so adequate spacing ensures good air circulation and prevents overcrowding.
• Watering: After sowing, water the area gently to moisten the soil without displacing the seeds. Calendula prefers moderate moisture, so ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to mold and root rot.

5. Creating the Ideal Germination Environment

Calendula seeds will typically germinate within 7-14 days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions. To ensure successful germination, create an optimal environment:

• Temperature: Keep the soil temperature between 60°F and 70°F (15°C - 21°C) for optimal germination. Use a seed-starting heat mat if necessary to maintain warmth during cooler conditions.
• Light: Calendula seeds require light to germinate, so make sure they are in a bright location. If starting seeds indoors, place them in a sunny window or under grow lights. Ensure they receive plenty of light once they germinate to promote strong, healthy seedlings.

6. Transplanting Calendula Seedlings

Once your calendula seedlings are large enough to handle, and the danger of frost has passed, it's time to transplant them outdoors:

• Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by hardening them off. Start by placing them in a sheltered area for a few hours a day and increase the exposure over the course of 5-7 days.
• Planting Outdoors: After hardening off, plant the seedlings in their final location, ensuring that they have plenty of room to spread. Calendula plants generally grow between 12-18 inches tall, so space them accordingly.
• Container Planting: If you're growing calendula in containers, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter. Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

7. Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once your calendula plants are established, they are relatively low-maintenance but will benefit from the following care:

• Watering: Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Calendula is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture ensures steady growth and abundant flowers.
• Fertilizing: Calendula is not a heavy feeder, but a light application of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring can encourage healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to more foliage growth and fewer flowers.
• Deadheading: To promote continuous blooming, remove spent flowers regularly. Deadheading will encourage the plant to produce more flowers, ensuring that you have a steady supply of blooms.

8. Harvesting and Using Calendula

Calendula flowers are most potent when freshly harvested:

• Harvesting: Harvest calendula flowers when they are fully open, but before the petals start to wilt. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the flowers just above the stem.
• Drying and Storage: To dry calendula flowers, tie them in small bunches and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Once dried, store the flowers in an airtight container away from sunlight.
• Uses: Dried calendula flowers can be used to make teas, herbal oils, tinctures, or homemade skincare products like lotions and balms. The flowers are also edible and can be used in salads, soups, or as a garnish.

Growing calendula from seed is an enriching experience that offers you beautiful flowers and a wealth of medicinal, culinary, and aesthetic benefits. Calendula is easy to grow, adaptable to a range of growing conditions, and provides a continuous supply of vibrant blooms that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you're cultivating calendula for its health benefits, its beauty in the garden, or its versatility in cooking, this hardy herb is a must-have for any gardener.

Embrace the journey of growing calendula and watch as your garden comes alive with its warm, radiant colors and soothing aroma. Happy gardening, and may your calendula thrive!