Calendula Planting & Growing Instructions

Calendula Germination Guide

Calendula is a beautiful and easy-to-grow herb that produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers. It’s commonly grown for its medicinal properties and as an attractive addition to gardens. Here’s a guide on how to germinate calendula seeds:

1. Prepare Your Containers:
   • Fill your seed trays or small pots with a high-quality seed-starting mix or potting soil. Ensure the mix is well-draining.
2. Sow the Seeds:
   • Calendula seeds are relatively large and easy to handle. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
   • Space the seeds at least 1 inch apart to allow room for growth.
3. Watering:
   • Moisten the soil thoroughly after sowing the seeds.
   • You can use a watering can with a fine rose or a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds.
4. Create a Mini Greenhouse:
   • Cover the seed trays or pots with clear plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps maintain a consistent level of humidity.
   • Alternatively, you can place the containers inside a plastic bag, but make sure it doesn’t touch the soil.
5. Provide Warmth and Light:
   • Calendula seeds germinate best at temperatures around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
   • Place the containers in a warm location with indirect sunlight or use a seed-starting heat mat if your room is cooler.
6. Monitor and Maintain Moisture:
   • Check the moisture level of the soil regularly. It should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged.
   • Use a spray bottle to mist the soil if it starts to dry out.
7. Germination Time:
   • Calendula seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days, although it may take longer under cooler conditions.
8. Remove Cover:
   • Once you see seedlings emerging and they have a few true leaves (not just cotyledons), remove the plastic cover.
9. Transplanting:
   • When the seedlings have grown large enough and have at least two sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into your garden or larger pots.
   • Space them 8-12 inches apart in the garden if you’re transplanting outdoors.
10. Harden Off:
    • Before transplanting calendula seedlings into the garden, it’s essential to harden them off. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over about a week to acclimate them to sunlight, wind, and temperature changes.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully germinate calendula seeds and grow healthy seedlings ready for transplanting into your garden or larger containers. Remember to continue providing them with proper care as they grow to ensure a bountiful display of calendula flowers.

Calendula Seedling Care Guide

Calendula, known for its bright yellow and orange flowers, is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for, making it a popular choice among gardeners. Here is a step-by-step care guide for calendula seedlings:

1. Watering:
   • Seedlings are delicate and require consistent moisture. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
   • Use a watering can with a fine rose or a spray bottle to water gently to avoid disturbing the seedlings.
2. Light:
   • Place your calendula seedlings in a location where they receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
   • If you’re growing them indoors, consider using grow lights to provide adequate light if natural sunlight is insufficient.
3. Temperature:
   • Maintain a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) for your seedlings.
   • Avoid exposing them to temperature extremes, such as frost or excessively high temperatures.
4. Thinning:
   • If you initially planted multiple seeds close together, thin the seedlings to ensure proper spacing. This will help prevent overcrowding and improve air circulation.
   • Leave the healthiest and strongest seedlings, typically spaced 8-12 inches apart, depending on the variety and your garden space.
5. Fertilizing:
   • Young seedlings don’t require heavy fertilization. Wait until they have at least two sets of true leaves before applying a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
   • Follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
6. Transplanting:
   • When your calendula seedlings have grown large enough and have at least two sets of true leaves (the second set of leaves that appear after the cotyledons), they are ready for transplanting.
   • Gently remove them from their seed trays or pots, taking care not to damage the roots, and transplant them into your garden or larger containers.
7. Garden Soil:
   • Ensure the garden soil is well-draining and of good quality. You can amend it with compost to improve fertility.
   • Calendula prefers a slightly alkaline soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0.
8. Mulching:
   • Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of your calendula plants can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.
9. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Remove them by hand or use appropriate organic pest control methods.
   • Calendula is generally resistant to many diseases, but maintaining good air circulation can help prevent issues like powdery mildew.
10. Regular Maintenance:
    • Continue to water, monitor for pests, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
    • Prune back any leggy growth to promote a bushier plant.
11. Harvesting:
    • You can start harvesting calendula flowers when they are fully open. Pinch or cut the flowers at the base of the stem.
    • Harvesting the flowers regularly encourages more blooms.

Following this guide, you should be well on your way to nurturing your calendula seedlings into thriving, blooming plants that brighten up your garden and maybe even provide herbal benefits.

Post-Transplant Calendula Care Guide

Post-transplant care is crucial to ensure the success and health of your calendula plants after they have been moved to their permanent location. Here’s a guide on how to care for calendula plants after transplanting:

1. Watering:
   • Continue to water your newly transplanted calendula plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
   • Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth.
   • Be careful not to overwater, as calendula prefers well-draining soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
2. Sunlight:
   • Calendula thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
   • In very hot climates, some afternoon shade may help prevent stress to the plants.
3. Mulching:
   • Maintain a layer of organic mulch around the base of your calendula plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
   • Ensure the mulch doesn’t touch the plant stems directly.
4. Fertilizing:
   • Calendula plants don’t typically require heavy fertilization.
   • You can apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer sparingly in early spring or when the plants start to show signs of slow growth.
   • Follow the fertilizer manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
5. Deadheading:
   • To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead (remove) spent flowers regularly. Pinch or cut them at the base of the stem.
   • Deadheading prevents the plant from going to seed prematurely and encourages the production of more flowers.
6. Pruning:
   • If your calendula plants become leggy or start to sprawl, you can prune them back to promote a bushier, more compact shape.
   • Pruning is best done in the spring or early summer.
7. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Continue to monitor your calendula plants for common pests like aphids and caterpillars.
   • Maintain good air circulation by spacing plants adequately to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
   • Use organic pest control methods if necessary.
8. Harvesting:
   • Harvest calendula flowers regularly as they bloom. Pinch or cut the flowers at the base of the stem.
   • You can use the fresh or dried flowers for various purposes, including medicinal and culinary uses.
9. Winter Care (for Perennial Varieties):
   • If you’re growing perennial calendula varieties, protect them during the winter by mulching around the base of the plants to insulate the roots.
   • In colder regions, you may need to provide additional winter protection such as covering with straw or burlap.
10. Propagation:
    • If you wish to propagate more calendula plants, you can collect seeds from mature flowers or take stem cuttings.

By following these post-transplant care guidelines, you can help your calendula plants thrive, produce an abundance of colorful flowers, and potentially enjoy their medicinal and culinary benefits.