Calendula Care: How to Grow and Care.
Calendula flowers, also known as pot marigolds, are a delightful addition to any garden. With their vibrant colors and cheerful blooms, Calendula plants can bring a touch of sunshine to even the dreariest of days. If you’re thinking of growing calendula in your own garden, you’re in for a treat. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow and care for Calendula plant.
Calendula: Some Commonly Asked Questions.
Does Calendula Need Full Sun?
Calendula grows best in full sun and partial shade. Here partial shade means areas of garden that receives indirect sunlight. In summers it is best to grow calendula in areas that receive shade in afternoon as calendula does not grow properly in excessively hot environment and plant can go in stress if shade is not provided in peak summer time. Although it is best in spring season to place calendula plants in areas that receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Is Calendula summer or winter plant?
Best time to grow calendula is early spring to the onset of summers. Calendula plant does not perform well in excessively cold or hot weather.
Is Calendula Indoor or outdoor plant?
Calendula is an outdoor plant as it needs sunlight to grow properly. Though it can be grown in balcony or terrace of the of home in areas that receive 6-8 hours of sunlight.
Is calendula an annual or perennial plant?
Calendula plant is a perennial but it is grown as annual plant in areas that have harsh winters and extreme summers.
Does Calendula Plant Attract the bees and butterflies?
Yes, calendula plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Fun Fact About Calendula: Calendula flower petals and leaves are edible.
Calendula: Choosing the Right Location
Calendula plants thrive in full sun, so it’s important to choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy plants and fewer flowers. Additionally, ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
Calendula: Preparing the Soil
Before planting your calendula seeds or seedlings, it’s crucial to prepare the soil properly. Calendula plants prefer loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. You can improve the soil drainage and quality by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. This will not only provide the necessary nutrients but also improve drainage. Always avoid heavy clay soil type for calendula plant, as this soil type tend to retain water and it can lead to root rot in calendula plants.
Calendula: Planting Calendula Seeds or Seedlings
If you’re starting from seeds, sow them directly into the garden after the last frost date in your area. Calendula seeds are relatively large and easy to handle, making them perfect for beginners. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to a spacing of 12 inches to allow for adequate airflow and prevent overcrowding. If you are planning to grow calendula in pots or containers it is best to have a maximum of 2 plants per pot, more plants than that will cause poor air circulation and lack of nutrients.
If you prefer to start with seedlings, you can purchase them from a local nursery or start your own indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Always ensure to transplant the calendula seedlings into the garden only when all danger of frost has passed.
Calendula: Watering and Fertilizing
Calendula plants have moderate water needs. Water them deeply and thoroughly, if calendula plant is in pot or container please ensure while watering that the water runs freely through drainage hole. And before next watering please allow the top 2 inch of soil to completely dry out. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to fungal attack on roots and can cause root rot. you can apply a layer of mulch around the calendula plants, it will help retain the moisture and it will also suppress weeds.
When it comes to fertilizing, calendula plants are not heavy feeders. A balanced, all-purpose organic fertilizer like compost, vermicompost or organic manure applied once a month during the growing season is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen rich fertilizers i.e. urea and dap; as it can result in excessive foliage growth and no flowers.
Calendula: Deadheading and Pruning
How do you keep calendula blooming? To encourage continuous blooming in calendula plant, it’s important to deadhead your calendula plants regularly. This involves removing spent flowers by pinching or cutting them off just above a set of leaves. Deadheading not only keeps your calendula plants looking tidy but also prevents them from going to seed prematurely.
Pruning is another essential aspect of calendula care. Pinch back the tips of the stems regularly to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Regular maintenance activities like deadheading and pruning will also help to prevent the calendula plants from becoming leggy.
Calendula: Pest and Disease Control
Calendula plants are resistant to most of pests and diseases. However, they can occasionally fall victim to aphids, slugs, and snails. Using organic pest control methods, such as handpicking pests or using insecticidal soap, is recommended to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Calendula: Harvesting Calendula Flowers
The best time to harvest calendula flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. Choose flowers that are fully open and vibrant in color. Gently pinch or cut the flowers from the stem, being careful not to damage the plant. Once harvested, you can use the flowers fresh or dry them for later use in teas, salves, or other natural remedies.
With their bright and cheerful blooms, calendula flowers are a joy to grow and care for. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning display of these beautiful flowers in your own garden. Happy gardening!
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