Calendula, also known as pot marigold is a cheerful edible flower that also has medicinal uses. Its bright orange and yellow blossoms bloom prolifically from late spring through fall in most climates. If you grow calendula collecting the seeds each year to replant is easy to do.
Below are step-by-step instructions for harvesting calendula seeds from your garden.
When to Harvest Calendula Seeds
Calendula seeds can be collected once the flowers finish blooming and go to seed, Here are signs the seed heads are ready for harvest
-
The flowers fade and the base of the head dries out and becomes brown and frazzled,
-
The seed head forms a fluffy “parachute” of wispy hairs attached to the seeds.
-
The seeds turn dark brown or black.
-
The seeds release easily when the dried flower head is shaken or rubbed.
Timing is usually in late summer or fall after the plant has completed its life cycle.
How to Collect Calendula Seeds
Follow these simple steps for gathering calendula seeds:
1. Identify Seed Heads
Scan plants to find flower heads that have gone to seed and turned brown and dry. Ripe seeds will easily detach from the head.
2. Harvest Individual Heads
Use pruners to snip off each entire dried flower head just below the seed head. Collect into a paper bag or bowl.
3. Dry and Clean
Further dry the seed heads for 1-2 weeks if any moisture remains. Then gently rub or shake over a bucket to remove seeds.
4. Winnow and Sieve
Pour seeds from one container to another in front of a fan to blow away chaff and debris. Sieve to remove remaining plant matter.
5. Label and Store
Place cleaned seeds in an airtight glass jar or envelope. Label with plant name and year collected. Store in a cool, dry location.
6. Optional: Save Some to Scatter
Leave a few seed heads on the plant to self-sow. The dropped seeds will sprout new calendula plants the following spring.
Tips for Collecting Calendula Seeds
Here are some handy tips for successfully harvesting calendula seeds from your garden:
-
Check seed heads daily once flowers fade to catch them at peak ripeness.
-
Collect seeds on a dry, sunny day to prevent mold growth in storage.
-
Cut seed heads on mornings with no dew to keep seeds dry.
-
Allow seeds to fully mature and dry on plants before harvesting for best viability.
-
Gently handle ripened seed heads to avoid losing seeds before collection.
-
Stop seeds from self-sowing by deadheading flowers before they form seed heads.
-
Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain viability.
Storing and Preserving Calendula Seeds
Properly stored, calendula seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years. Follow these storage tips:
-
Place seeds in sealed glass jars or envelopes to prevent moisture and air exposure.
-
Add a desiccant packet or silica beads to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold.
-
Store seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to maximize shelf life.
-
Label containers with the seed variety and year collected for easy identification.
-
Avoid shedding, extreme heat, or humidity during storage.
Saving seeds lets you easily and affordably grow calendula year after year. With proper harvest and storage methods, the seeds you collect will germinate into beautiful, productive plants for seasons to come!
Save Your Own Calendula Seeds
What saves you money, teaches you about life, and allows you to spread the wealth?
Seed saving, of course.
Few flowers are easier to start from seed and grow than calendula. It’s easy to harvest those calendula plants and save the seeds for next year once they’re done with their life cycle. In fact, calendula is one of the easiest plants to save seeds from.
Its important for gardeners to experience the magic that is seed saving for three reasons:
First, youll witness the full cycle of the plant. You start with this year’s plant and watch it grow, bear fruit, and make its final product, which is an attempt by the plant to make hundreds or even thousands of exact copies of itself for next year.
Second, you get to save money. I already told you that one plant will give you enough seeds to last for years. Third, you can share the magic with others because you’ll have so many seeds that you’ll never need them (unless you’re getting 50 times as much space next year). People who want to try growing their own plants can get great gifts from you if you have extra seeds. Just put them in little packets and wrap them up.
Lets look at how to save your calendula seeds.
Shop Our Favorite Seed Organizer
Keep seeds organized and ready for sowing with this handy seed organizer tin. The galvanized finish gives it a classic look, and the calendar dividers make sure you have the seeds you need at the right time.
You’ll probably still have more calendula plants next year even if you don’t follow these easy steps to save your seeds. You just won’t be able to choose where they grow in your garden.
Calendula is a strong self-seeder in the garden. This means that if you don’t pick up all the dead flowers, the seeds will grow on their own. People who garden often find calendula growing next to their flower beds or along the paths where the seeds fell and stayed there all winter. As soon as the temperature is optimal again, those seeds will germinate and start new life cycles. We call these volunteer calendula plants. (You can see one by my feet in the picture below. ).
The Super Simple Way to Harvest and Save Calendula Seeds
FAQ
When should I harvest calendula seeds?
Can you harvest calendula seeds when they are green?
Which part of calendula is the seed?
When to harvest Calendula flowers?
When to harvest: Harvest calendula flowers just after they open fully throughout spring and summer, gathering them in the morning when the dew is dry. Do not harvest flowers going to seed. How to harvest: Harvest flowers with a snip or garden scissors. Flowers: Calendula flowers have a mild peppery flavor; they have no fragrance.
How do I Harvest Calendula seeds?
It only takes a few minutes to tackle this simple seed-saving technique. To harvest calendula seeds, follow these steps: Check your calendula flowers regularly to take notice when the flower heads dry to brown. Choose a flower head that has visible brown seeds showing.
Can you save Calendula seeds?
Once those calendula plants have completed their life cycle, it’s super simple to harvest and save the seeds for next year. In fact, calendula is one of the easiest plants to save seeds from. It’s important for gardeners to experience the magic that is seed saving for three reasons: First, you’ll witness the full cycle of the plant.
How do you grow Calendula seeds?
Pick only the seed heads that have turned brown on the plant. These will contain the viable seeds. It’s always best to collect calendula seeds on a dry day if possible. This will help to prevent molding of the seeds when you bring them inside. Bring a basket or container for collecting the seeds, along with a sharp pair of scissors or snips.
