How to Grow Calendula

Last Updated: April 8, 2021 References

Calendula, also known as "pot marigolds" are annual flowers that bloom constantly throughout the growing season. Originally grown for use as a seasoning or for medicinal properties, calendula have become popular for their cheerful, bright yellow or orange flowers that follow the path of the sun throughout the day in the same way that sunflowers do. This article explains how to plant calendula.

Steps

1
Select a spot for calendula that receives full sun. Calendulas do not require any special soil. They can be grown anywhere you're growing other flowers, herbs, or vegetables as long as the flower bed doesn't become waterlogged after heavy rain.^{[1]
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2
Plant calendula seeds in the spring after the last frost in your area. Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (.64 to 1.27 cm) deep and 4 to 6 (10.16 to 15.24 cm) apart. Cover them lightly with about 1/4 inch (.64 cm) of garden soil.^{[2]
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3
Water the seedbed immediately after planting being careful not to wash the seeds out of their spots. Then mist the bed daily to keep it moist for the next 7 to 14 days until the seeds germinate.^{[3]
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4
Water the plants as needed to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should not be soaking wet.^{[4]
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5
When the calendula seedlings are about 3 inches (7.62 cm) high, thin them so that the remaining plants are 8 to 12 inches (20.32 to 30.48 cm) apart.^{[5]
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6
Apply a thin layer of compost to the calendula plants in midsummer. They should not require any additional fertilizer because the compost should provide enough nutrients to help the plants continue blooming for the remainder of the growing season.
7
Cut blossoms as they fade to encourage the plants to produce additional blooms.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use the dead-headed seed to reproduce plants, or should I allow seed to dry and be dormant prior to planting?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use the dead-headed seeds to reproduce plants. Take the seed head off and allow to dry out in a dish, then store in an envelope ready for planting in the spring.
Question

Can calendula grow/produce flowers in hot weather (around 30 degrees Celsius)?

Ninox

Top Answerer

Yes, as long as the plant has enough water it will produce flowers, even in hot summer.
Question

Can I grow calendula in a pot?

Ninox

Top Answerer

Calendula can grow in a pot if you water it often. If you want a lot of flowers in the pot, you will need to add some fertilizer.
Question

Does calendula require a lot of water?

Ninox

Top Answerer

No, you can water it once a week if the plant is in open ground. In a pot, you have to water it more often due to evaporation.
Question

How many calendula seeds can I plant in each rockwool or pot?

Ninox

Top Answerer

It depends on the size of the pot. The best is to sow a plant each 5 cm (2 in), then remove between a half and two-thirds of the plants.
Question

How do I prevent calendulas from growing too long stems that lie down on the soil and cannot stand upright?

Ninox

Top Answerer

You can simply use a string to tie the stems together with a central support.
Question

How do I transplant calendula from overwintered plant?

Ninox

Top Answerer

First, you have to choose a sunny well-drained place. Then, plant 8 calendula per square meter (10 square feet) and give a lot of water to favor the growth.