Calendula Care Guide: How to Grow Calendula Flowers

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and chrysanthemums. The name “calendula” comes from the Latin word calendae, which means “little calendar”—that’s because calendulas are so hearty they can bloom in almost every month of the year, from May to early fall. Calendulas come in annual and perennial varieties and have Mediterranean origins.

Calendula flowers are sometimes known as pot marigolds, but they are different from the common marigolds in the Tagetes family. Key differences include:

• Shape: Calendula petals are spoon-shaped and resemble those of daisies, while marigolds usually have rectangular petals that cover the flower center.
• Seeds: Calendula seeds are ridged and brown, while marigold seeds are smooth and black with white tips.
• Scent: Calendulas have a pleasant, flowery scent while marigolds have a harsh, unpleasant aroma.
• Toxicity: Calendulas are edible, while Tagetes marigolds are toxic to consume.

There are more than 100 types of calendula blossoms. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

1. 1. Radio Extra: This is a taller variety—one-and-a-half to two inches tall—with bright orange blooms.
2. 2. Pink Surprise: This variety has gold and yellow flowers with pink-tinged petals.
3. 3. Touch of Red: This colorful calendula comes in a mix of yellow, cream, apricot, and orange, with red tips on the petals.
4. 4. Greenheart Orange: Greenheart Orange is an unusual variety with orange petals surrounding a lime-green center.
5. 5. Dwarf Gem: This type of calendula has double petals that come in orange, yellow, and apricot. It is also compact and grows well in containers.
6. 6. Sherbet Fizz: This variety has creamy-colored petals with red-tipped undersides.
7. 7. Calypso: Another variety that grows well in containers, the Calypso comes in yellow and orange flowers with double petals and a dark center.
8. 8. Pacific Beauty: Pacific Beauty calendulas have yellow and orange flowers and long, strong stems.

Calendula flowers are hardy and very easy to grow indoors in containers.

• Plant calendulas in containers. Plant calendula seeds directly in pots, ideally in spring or autumn. Keep the planter soil moist, and leave the tray in a bright place. You will see leaves in one to two weeks.
• Ensure proper drainage. If you want to keep your calendulas inside, use a well-draining, organic potting soil. Make sure the pots have drainage holes to keep the soil from getting soggy.
• Fertilize the plants. Feed calendulas regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Water consistently. During the summer, give your calendulas one to one-and-a-half inches of water once a week. Calendulas will tolerate low-water conditions.

Calendula will tolerate most soil types and can even grow in partial shade. The most optimal condition is well-drained soil in full sun, and calendulas can be grown as a perennial if they’re not exposed to hard frost. Follow these steps to add calendulas to your home garden:

• Start calendula seeds in early spring. Start planting calendula seeds in early spring in a tray filled with a seed starter mix. Keep the planter soil moist and under a cover, and leave the tray in a bright place. You will see leaves in six to 15 days.
• Transplant calendulas when the weather gets warm. Wait until the last frost in spring before planting the seeds. Calendulas germinate in weather that’s 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit—they will begin blooming 45 to 60 days after germination.
• Plant calendula seedlings in rows 18 inches apart. Plant the seedlings in rows and cover the soil with mulch to keep it moist and to prevent weeds from growing.
• Avoid overwatering. During the summer, give your calendulas one to one-and-a-half inches of water once a week. Avoid overwatering them, since they will tolerate low-water conditions.
• Pick the flowers. When it comes to calendulas, the more flowers you pick, the more flowers will grow in their place. Harvest the flower heads every two to three days to prolong the flowering season. If the flower goes to seed, it will stop producing more blooms, so be sure to deadhead (trim off) any flowers that have lost their petals.

Calendulas can be grown as perennials if they’re not exposed to hard frost. You can also easily regrow them with new seeds or you can save seeds from the plants themselves—just wait until the petals fall and the seed head turns from green to brown. Cut the stem and put the seed head in an airy bag so it can dry out. When the plant is dry, the seeds will easily fall out for planting. You can also let the seeds self-sow and see what grows next year.

In addition to brightening up your home garden, calendula flowers are useful for a variety of purposes. The flower petals are high in antioxidants and safe to eat raw. Use these edible flowers to add color to a salad or soup, or use them to make tea. Herbalists also use calendula plants to make calendula ointments, essential oils, tinctures, and salves.

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