Growing Calendula: Benefits, Varieties, Planting, and Care
Calendula is a versatile plant that offers medicinal, culinary, and aesthetic benefits for gardeners and users alike. Also known as pot marigold, this herbaceous plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of growing calendula, the characteristics of different varieties, and the best practices for planting and care.
Benefits for Gardeners and Users
Calendula has long been prized for its medicinal properties, which make it a valuable addition to any garden or herbal medicine cabinet. The plant contains anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds that are useful for treating a range of ailments, from skin irritations and cuts to digestive issues and menstrual cramps.
Calendula is commonly used in creams, ointments, and salves for its healing and soothing effects on the skin. It can also be brewed into a tea or infusion for internal use.
In addition to its medicinal value, calendula is also a popular culinary herb. The petals of the flower can be used to add color and flavor to salads, soups, stews, and teas.
They have a slightly spicy, tangy taste that pairs well with citrus, herbs, and other vegetables. The petals can also be dried and used as a natural dye for textiles or paper.
Another benefit of calendula is its ability to attract beneficial insects and repel pests. The French marigold, which is a close relative of calendula, is well-known for its ability to repel nematodes and other harmful insects.
Calendula can also be used as a trap crop to lure pests away from other plants in the garden. Additionally, calendula can be planted as a companion plant to boost the growth and health of neighboring plants.
Varieties of Calendula and Their Characteristics
There are many varieties of calendula to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few of the most popular:
– Indian Prince: This variety has deep orange petals with a dark center and reaches a height of around 18 inches.
It is easy to grow and produces plenty of blooms. – Snow Princess: This white-flowered variety is perfect for adding contrast to a garden.
It grows to a height of around 12 inches and has a delicate, feminine appearance. – Pink Surprise: As the name suggests, this variety has pink petals with a yellow center.
It reaches a height of around 24 inches and is ideal for borders or cut flower arrangements. – Touch of Red Buff: This variety has unique salmon-colored petals with a dark center.
It grows to a height of around 24 inches and is thought to have more medicinal benefits than other varieties. – Neon: This variety has bright yellow and orange petals with a dark center.
It grows to a height of around 12 inches and is great for adding a pop of color to a garden or container. – Bulls Eye: This variety has orange petals with a red center, creating a striking contrast.
It grows to a height of around 18 inches and is perfect for cutting or drying.
Planting and Care Instructions for Calendula
Calendula can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants from a nursery. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types and temperatures.
Here are some tips for planting and caring for calendula:
– Direct Sowing: Calendula seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed in the spring or fall. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Space the seeds about 6 inches apart and cover with a light layer of soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes around 5-7 days.
– Indoors: Calendula seeds can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Use a seed-starting mix and plant the seeds in small pots or trays.
Keep the soil moist and warm until germination, which typically takes around 5-7 days. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or the garden bed.
– Germination: Calendula seeds prefer cooler temperatures for germination, between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. If starting seeds indoors, use a heating mat or keep the pots in a warm location until they sprout.
– Soil Type: Calendula prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate poor or sandy soil, but will perform best with regular watering and fertilization.
– Watering: Calendula needs regular watering to thrive, especially during hot and dry periods. It is important not to over-water, however, as this can lead to root rot.
Water deeply once a week or as needed, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. – Sunlight: Calendula prefers full sun to partial shade.
It can tolerate some shade, but will produce fewer blooms in low light conditions. – Temperature: Calendula is a cool-season plant that can tolerate mild frost and cooler temperatures.
It prefers temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. – Pruning: Calendula produces more blooms when dead-headed regularly.
Remove spent flowers by pinching them off at the base of the stem. You can also prune back the plant by a third in mid-season to encourage new growth and blooming.
– Propagation: Calendula can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, replanting them in fresh soil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, calendula is a versatile and valuable plant that offers numerous benefits for gardeners and users alike. Whether you are looking to add color to your garden, treat a skin ailment, or add flavor to your cooking, calendula has something to offer.
By choosing the right variety, planting in the right conditions, and caring for your plants properly, you can enjoy the many benefits of this remarkable herb for years to come. 3) Quick Care Guide: Overview of Calendula Care Instructions
Calendula is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care.
With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your plant thrives and produces the maximum number of blooms. Here is a quick care guide to help you care for your calendula plants:
Days to Harvest: Calendula typically takes 50-60 days from planting to harvest.
This can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. You can tell when your calendula is ready to harvest by looking at the buds.
When they begin to open and show color, it’s time to harvest. Light: Calendula thrives in full to partial sun.
It can tolerate some shade, but will produce fewer blooms in low light conditions. Direct sunlight is important for the quality and quantity of blooms produced.
If growing indoors, be sure to place the plant near a sunny window or use grow lights. Water: Calendula requires regular watering to stay healthy and produce blooms.
It prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems, so be careful not to water too much.
Water deeply once a week, or as needed depending on the weather. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Soil: Calendula prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate poor or sandy soil, but will perform best with regular watering and fertilization.
Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting can help improve soil quality. Fertilizer: Calendula does not require a lot of fertilizer to grow and bloom.
A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as over-fertilizing can lead to problems.
Pests: Calendula is relatively pest-resistant, but can still be affected by aphids, slugs, and whiteflies. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or natural remedies such as neem oil or garlic spray.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that can harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs. Diseases: Calendula can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or gray mold.
These can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering. If necessary, a fungicide can be applied according to the instructions on the product.
Regularly removing dead leaves and flowers can also help prevent fungal problems. 4) Sun and Temperature: Importance of Sunlight and Temperature for Calendula
Sunlight and temperature are important factors to consider when growing calendula.
The amount of sunlight and the temperature can affect the growth, blooms, and overall health of the plant. Full Sun: Calendula prefers full sun, which is defined as 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Full sun is important for the quality and quantity of blooms produced. In areas with hot summers, some partial shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial.
Partial Shade: Calendula can tolerate some shade, but will produce fewer blooms in low light conditions. Partial shade is defined as 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
In hot climates, partial shade can help prevent the plant from becoming stressed or sunburned. Direct Sun: Calendula can tolerate direct sun, but may require additional watering.
Direct sun is defined as sunlight that is unfiltered by clouds or shade. If growing calendula in a hot, dry climate, be sure to provide additional water to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
Frost Hardy: Calendula is a cool-season plant that is frost hardy. It can tolerate mild frost and cooler temperatures, but may suffer in extreme heat.
In areas with hot summers, it may be necessary to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the plant from becoming stressed or sunburned. In conclusion, sunlight and temperature are important factors to consider when growing calendula.
Full sun is preferred, but partial shade can be beneficial in hot climates. Direct sun can be tolerated, but may require additional watering.
Calendula is frost hardy, but may suffer in extreme heat. By providing the right conditions, you can help your calendula thrive and produce beautiful blooms all season long.
5) Water and Humidity: Importance of Watering and Humidity for Calendula
Calendula is a plant that prefers regular watering to thrive but is also drought-tolerant. It is essential to find a balance between too much and too little water to ensure optimal growth and blooms.
In addition to proper watering, humidity levels can also affect the health of your calendula plants. Regular Watering: Calendula requires regular watering to stay healthy and produce blooms.
It prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems, so be careful not to water too much.
Water deeply once a week, or as needed depending on the weather. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Drought-Tolerant: Although calendula requires regular watering, it is also drought-tolerant. This means that it can withstand periods of dry weather without suffering significant damage.
However, extended periods of drought can cause the plant to wilt, stop blooming, or even die. It is important to monitor the soil moisture levels and water accordingly.
Soil Moisture: Calendula prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to problems such as root rot, wilting, and poor blooming.
Test the soil moisture levels regularly using a moisture meter or by feeling the soil with your fingers. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
Watering Methods: Calendula can be watered using a variety of methods, including a watering can, drip irrigation, or a soaker hose. Avoid using overhead watering methods, such as a sprinkler, as these can cause problems such as fungal diseases and waterlogged soil.
Humidity: Calendula prefers a moderate to high level of humidity for optimal growth and blooms. Humidity levels below 40% can cause the plant to wilt, while levels above 60% can create conditions for fungal diseases.
If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your calendula plants by misting them regularly or placing a humidifier nearby. 6) Soil: Importance of Soil for Calendula
The soil is an essential factor to consider when growing calendula.
The soil type, texture, pH level, and moisture content can all affect the growth, blooms, and overall health of the plant. Here are some key considerations for soil when growing calendula:
Most Soil Types: Calendula can grow in most soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil is well-draining.
However, it will perform best in loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Before planting, test your soil’s pH level and add lime or sulfur as needed to adjust it. Well-Drained: Calendula prefers well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away from the roots.
Soil that is too dense or heavy can become waterlogged and lead to root rot. To improve soil drainage, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Moisture-Retentive: Although calendula prefers well-draining soil, it also needs soil that can retain moisture. Soil that dries out too quickly can lead to stunted growth and poor blooms.
To improve soil moisture retention, add organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Loamy: Calendula performs best in loamy soil, which is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay.
Loamy soil has good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient availability. To improve soil texture, add organic matter such as compost to sandy soil or sand to heavy clay soil.
Garden Soil: If planting calendula in the ground, use garden soil that has been amended with organic matter. This will help improve the soil structure and nutrient content.
Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and remove any debris or weeds. Containers: If planting calendula in containers, use potting soil that is specifically formulated for containers.
Potting soil is lighter and more moisture-retentive than garden soil, which is important for container-grown plants. Choose a container with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.
In conclusion, the soil is an essential factor to consider when growing calendula. Calendula prefers well-draining, moisture-retentive, and loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Adding organic matter to your soil can help improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability.
By providing the right soil conditions, you can help your calendula thrive and produce beautiful blooms all season long. 7) Fertilizing: Importance of Fertilizing for Calendula
Fertilizing is an essential aspect of caring for calendula.
Proper fertilization can help boost growth, blooms, and overall plant health. Calendula prefers a fertilizer that is nitrogen-rich and potassium-rich to encourage strong cell growth and flower bud development.
Here are some key considerations for fertilizing calendula:
Nitrogen-Rich: Calendula requires a good source of nitrogen for healthy growth. Nitrogen is essential for the formation of new leaves and lateral branches.
A nitrogen-rich fertilizer can help promote healthy foliage and strong root development. Nitrogen is often found in organic fertilizers such as blood meal or fish emulsion.
Potassium-Rich: Potassium is another essential nutrient for calendula. This element plays a critical role in the plant’s overall health, including flower bud development, photosynthesis, and disease resistance.
A potassium-rich fertilizer can help promote healthy blooms and increase the plant’s resistance to stress. Fertilizer: Calendula can be fertilized with a variety of products, including granular and liquid fertilizers.
Choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for flowers or vegetables. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup and damage to the plant.
Feed: Calendula can benefit from regular feeding throughout the growing season. During the growing season, fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen and potassium.
In early spring,