Pot marigolds, or calendula marigolds, are an old favorite in cottage gardens. They are often grown with other plants to help attract pollinators. In the spring, calendula blooms from June to September. In the fall, it blooms from May to July. The flowers are edible and the petals make an attractively colourful garnish to salads and other dishes. People also say that they can heal. Calendula has been used to treat skin problems like rashes, wounds, and sores, and it has also been used to lower pain and swelling. You can pick their petals and use them fresh or dry in tea. You can also make a balm out of them.
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a wonderfully easy annual flower to grow from seed. With its sunny yellow and orange blossoms, it brings cheer to any garden Calendula also has a long blooming season, especially if you stagger your sowing. So when is the optimal time to sow calendula seeds? Read on to learn the best techniques for starting these bright beauties at just the right time
An Overview of Calendula
Before diving into precisely when and how to sow them, let’s first take a quick look at calendula itself.
- Calendula officinalis is an herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial, depending on your climate zone.
- It thrives in sunny spots and average soil as long as it drains well.
- The daisy-like flowers come in shades of yellow, orange, peach, apricot, cream, and red.
- Blooms are edible and used in salads or to color butters and cheeses.
- The dried petals and flowers have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
- Calendula attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to gardens.
With proper sowing, this cheery flower will give you months of color and harvesting potential in flower beds, borders containers and vegetable gardens.
When to Sow Calendula Seeds Outdoors
Calendula thrives when directly sown right in the garden. Here are the optimal times and techniques for outdoor sowing.
Early Spring
The first opportunity to sow calendula seeds is in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Calendula will tolerate some light frosts, so you get a jump start on the season by starting seeds a few weeks before your last expected spring frost date.
Target sowing for 6-8 weeks before your average last frost to give seeds time to germinate and grow to a mature size that can handle a frost.
Spring
You can continue sowing calendula seeds every 2-3 weeks in spring up until early summer. This ensures a prolonged harvest and blooming period.
Staggering sowing gives young plants time to establish without having to compete for light and nutrients. It also prevents having blooms fade all at once, allowing you to have fresh flowers for months on end.
Early Fall
In areas with longer growing seasons, sow a late crop of calendula in early fall about 8-10 weeks before the first expected autumn frost.
This will provide bright blossoms in the cooler weather when many other annuals have finished up for the season. Plus, the late sowing establishes plants that will self sow for earliest blooms the following spring.
Winter Sowing
If you live in an area with cold winters, try winter sowing calendula seeds. This technique allows you to sow seeds in mini greenhouses outdoors during winter so they germinate as soon as spring warmth arrives.
Recycle plastic containers, line them with plastic wrap, add potting mix, sow seeds, and seal the greenhouse up tight. Place them outside in a sunny spot and let nature take its course. The greenhouse protects seeds from harsh elements while allowing the natural freeze/thaw cycle to gently break dormancy.
When to Start Calendula Indoors
While calendula grows well directly sown, you can also get a head start by sowing indoors.
Late Winter
The optimal window is 8-10 weeks before your frost free date when outdoor sowing is still too chilly.
Start seeds indoors during late winter so plants are ready for transplanting once outdoor temperatures are steadily above 50°F. Avoid sowing too early and having leggy seedlings.
Early Spring
You can also sow seeds indoors approximately 3-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost. This shorter lead time works well if you get a late start or have limited space under lights.
Summer for Fall
Indoor sowing in summer can provide transplants for a fall crop. Sow seeds 8-10 weeks prior to your first autumn frost so calendula has time to mature and bloom before freezing weather finishes the season.
How to Sow Calendula Seeds Outdoors
Sowing calendula directly in the garden is easy. Follow these simple steps for success.
Choose a Sunny Spot
Select a location that will provide full sun to partial shade. Areas near walls or fences make nice microclimates if your garden lacks sheltered sunny spots.
Prepare Soil
Give seeds the best start by preparing soil in advance. Loosen and mix in 1-2 inches of aged compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before sowing. This provides nutrition and helps retention moisture.
Sow Seeds
Once soil is workable in spring, sow seeds approximately 1/4-1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Gently water to settle seeds into soil contact.
Maintain Moisture
Keep seeds and seedlings consistently moist but not saturated until plants become established. A light mulch can help conserve moisture.
Thin or Transplant
If seeds are too close once germinated, carefully thin or transplant seedlings at least 12 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
How to Sow Seeds Indoors
You can also get a head start on the season by sowing indoors. Here’s how.
Use Seed Starting Mix
Fill seedling trays or cells with a quality seed starting mix that is loose, nutrient-rich, and designed to prevent fungal disease.
Sow Seeds
Sow 2-3 seeds per cell. Gently press into the soil surface but don’t bury too deeply.
Maintain Warmth
Keep newly sown pots at 70-75°F until sprouting, whether on a seedling heat mat or near other heat sources.
Provide Light
Once sprouted, move to bright light. Supplement with grow lights to keep plants from stretching toward windows.
Transplant Outside
Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
Acclimate Plants
Set transplants in dappled shade for a few days so they can adjust to outdoor conditions before exposing them to full sun.
Caring for Calendula Plants
Give your calendula patch some simple care and it will reward you with months of blooms.
Water Regularly
Water whenever top inch of soil is dry. Drought can cause flowers to fade and go to seed prematurely.
Deadhead Spent Blooms
Pinch off faded flowers just below the flower heads to encourage more buds to form.
Provide Occasional Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea a few times during peak growing season to support flowering.
Watch for Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew can be an issue in damp conditions. Improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Saving Calendula Seeds
Let a few spent flower heads ripen on plants in fall until nice and dry. Collect seeds to sow again next year.
Growing Gorgeous Calendula Flowers
With the right sowing schedule, you can enjoy calendula’s cheery blooms for months on end. Start seeds indoors or out based on your climate and the season. Stagger sowings throughout spring and again in fall. Take advantage of calendula’s hardiness and start seeds early for extended color. Then care for plants properly and watch them thrive. Soon you’ll have plenty of bright blossoms and harvested seeds to carry you through until next year’s sowing season rolls around again.
How to make calendula balm
Calendula cream is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It’s great for soothing mild sunburn, rashes, and itchy skin. It can also help heal small cuts and scrapes.
If you have never used a certain herbal remedy before, put some on the inside of your arm to see if you are allergic to it. If you have no reaction after 24 hours, you can assume it’s safe to apply.
You will need:
- Fresh calendula flowers
- Emulsifying ointment
- Glycerol
- Water
- Bowl to fit on top of the saucepan
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Small palette knife
- Piece of muslin or jelly bag
- a label and a glass jar or other container with a lid that fits
- Pair of strong rubber gloves
Pick the flowers when fully open but not fading. Wash under cold, running water and pat dry with a paper towel. Melt the emulsifying ointment in a china bowl set over a pot of boiling water. Be very careful, because the ointment will get very hot. Once it’s melted, add the glycerol and water. This makes it solidify slightly. Stir until re-melted.
How to grow calendula
Calendula can be sown direct where plants are to flower and need very little attention. Simply scatter seed on prepared ground in spring and ensure the soil remains moist. Deadhead spent blooms in summer or allow the flowers to develop seeds for resowing the following spring.
GROWING CALENDULA FROM SEED: Planting Calendula in Both Spring & Fall // Calendula as a Hardy Annual
FAQ
Does calendula come back every year?
Do calendula seeds need cold stratification?
Does calendula like sun or shade?
What is the planting schedule for calendula?
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Plant name
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Zone
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Plant seedlings/transplants outdoors (spring/fall)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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7b
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On/around April 15 (after last frost)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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8a
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On/around March 15 (after last frost)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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8b
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On/around March 15 (after last frost)
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Calendula/Pot marigold
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9a
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Dec. 15-March 1
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When should I plant Calendula seeds?
If sowing directly outdoors, put them in the ground a couple of weeks before you expect the last frost. The second important factor to note when planting calendula seeds is that light will disrupt germination. Make sure you cover the seeds with soil to a depth of about one-quarter to one-half inch (6 mm. to 1 cm.).
How do you grow Calendula seeds?
A light, fluffy soil helps the seeds germinate more easily. Planting the Seeds: Sow your calendula seeds by spreading them over the soil surface. Then, gently press them into the ground or cover them with a light sprinkling of soil—no more than 1/4 inch deep. Calendula seeds need some light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deeply.
When do Calendula seeds germinate?
Calendula seeds germinate best between 15-25C (59-77F). You may not see many seedlings emerge if it’s cooler or warmer than this . In autumn, sow six to eight weeks before the first frost in a tray or modules filled with one-part perlite (or grit) mixed with three parts multi-purpose compost.
Can Calendula grow from seed?
Calendula grows easily and readily from seed, but there are a couple of important considerations when sowing. The first is that these cold-tolerant plants will grow weaker and smaller if you sow the seeds during warm weather. If sowing directly outdoors, put them in the ground a couple of weeks before you expect the last frost.