Grow Calendula: A Complete Guide to Planting, Care, and Uses

by Gregory April 18, 2022

written by Gregory April 18, 2022 4 minutes read

How to Grow Calendula: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Calendula, also known as pot marigolds, is a popular cottage garden favorite. It’s a hardy annual that’s easy to grow and offers a range of benefits, including attracting pollinators, adding color to your garden, and providing healing properties.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight: Calendula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
Water: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Planting

Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the soil in spring or fall. Thin seedlings to 10-15cm apart.
Potted plants: You can also buy potted calendula plants and transplant them into your garden.

Care

Deadheading: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Fertilize every few weeks with a high potash liquid fertilizer.

Propagation

Seeds: Calendula self-seeds easily. Allow some seeds to develop at the end of the season to ensure new plants the following year.
Cuttings: You can also take cuttings of calendula stems and root them in water or soil.

Varieties

Calendula officinalis ‘Indian Prince’: Deep orange flowers with crimson centers and backs.
Calendula officinalis `Calexis Yellow’: Double, spiky flowers of bright yellow.
Calendula officinalis `Snow Princess’: Creamy white flowers.
Calendula officinalis `Touch of Red Buff’: Unusual beige-pink flowers with darker brown petal tips.
Calendula `Power Daisy Yellow’: Low-growing, bushy habit with prolific flowering over a long period.

Uses

Companion planting: Calendula attracts pollinators, making it a beneficial companion plant for tomatoes, beans, and other crops.
Edible flowers: Calendula flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish or in salads.
Healing properties: Calendula has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments such as rashes, wounds, and sores. It can also help reduce pain and inflammation.
Tea: Calendula petals can be dried and used to make tea.
Balm: Calendula balm is a soothing and antibacterial salve that can be used to treat minor skin irritations.

Making Calendula Balm

Ingredients:

Fresh calendula flowers
Emulsifying ointment
Glycerol
Water
Bowl
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Muslin or jelly bag
Glass jar
Label

Instructions:

Pick calendula flowers when fully open.
Melt the emulsifying ointment in a bowl over a pan of boiling water.
Add the glycerol and water.
Add the calendula flowers and simmer for three hours.
Strain the mixture through a jelly bag.
Transfer the calendula balm into a glass jar.

Tips

Calendula is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow even for beginners.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages further flowering and prevents self-seeding.
Calendula can be used to create a beautiful and beneficial border display.
The edible flowers and healing properties of calendula make it a valuable addition to any garden.

Gregory

Gregory isn't your typical blogger. When he's not weaving tales, you can find him elbow-deep in soil, nurturing his vibrant garden. A devoted family man, Gregory finds inspiration in the quiet moments spent with loved ones and the constant cycle of growth and renewal in his backyard oasis. These experiences infuse his writing with a warmth and connection to the natural world, offering readers a fresh perspective on life, love, and the simple joys found in both the written word and the blossoming garden.