how to grow calendula from seed indoors

If starting indoors, maintain darkness and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F) until germination occurs in 6-14 days, and then supply bright light to keep seedlings compact. Or direct sow in early autumn in Zones 8-10. Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, and aim for a spacing of 15-45cm (6-18″) between plants.

Can calendula be grown indoors?

Calendulas are also known as pot marigold, although they have no relation to those lion-headed blooms. ... As long as a plant has the right nutrients, soil, moisture and lighting, you can grow almost anything in a container, and calendula is no exception. Start seeds indoors or purchase blooming plants.

How long does it take calendula to grow from seed?

The name calendula means the first day of the month, presumably because this pot marigold blooms reliably at the start each day. It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly grows to maturity in 6-8 weeks after sowing.

When should I start calendula seeds indoors?

A cool-season plant, calendula can be started indoors under grow lights 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly seeded outdoors after the last frost (see Starting Annual Flowers Indoors). Seeds germinate in 5-15 days.

Should I soak calendula seeds before planting?

Allow the water to soak in for 15 to 20 minutes before sowing the calendula seeds.

Can calendula grow in shade?

Calendula can grow to almost two feet tall, and the flowers tend to open with sunny, dry weather and close in cold or moist conditions. They enjoy full sun — or even partial shade in hot summer regions — and average soil.

Does calendula come back every year?

The calendula flower or flowering herb is an annual which will readily reseed. Too much calendula care can result in stunted or slow growth. Poor to average, well draining soil and only occasional watering after plants are established is the secret to growing prolific calendula plants.

What can I plant next to calendula?

Once established, calendula do not need any extra fertilizing or feeding. Calendula grow nicely in the vegetable garden. Good companions are: Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Peas, Carrots, Asparagus, Spring salad vegetables. The flowers bloom best in cooler weather with low humidity.

What does a calendula seed look like?

When dried, either on the plant or indoors by a gardener, calendula seeds look like this. They are brown, spiny and curled. Save some seeds from your plants to grow again in your garden next year or to share with gardening friends.

Should I deadhead calendula?

Calendula flowers seem to be floral representations of the sun. ... Removing spent calendula flowers can help increase the production of blooms. While calendula deadheading isn't necessary, the process can improve the appearance of plants and make way for new buds to receive the sun's kiss.

When can I sow calendula?

Sow and Plant

Plant the curled seeds in your garden from early spring onward, or start them indoors and set out the sturdy seedlings. Allow some plants to produce mature seeds to scatter where you want to see calendula seedlings in subsequent seasons.

How do you save calendula seeds?

Don't want to collect and save calendula seeds? Simply let the seeds fall where they are or collect the seeds and scatter them around. They should sprout and grow next year quite easily!

Is Marigold the same as calendula?

Although commonly known as pot marigold, calendula is different from the common marigold (Tagetes spp.). It is, however, part of the same Asteracea family, along with daisies and chrysanthemums, with whom it shared the same daisy-like flower appearance.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

What is the best way to germinate seeds?

Moisten the newly planted seeds with a mister or a small watering can. To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover.

Should seeds be soaked before planting?

Soaking seeds before planting helps you to break down the seed's natural defenses against what it expects from Mother Nature, which then allows it to germinate faster. Another reason is that while Mother Nature actively assaults seeds, she also gave those seeds an internal gauge to help them know when they should grow.

How often should you water calendula?

Give your calendulas 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water once a week during hot weather. Although these plants can tolerate low-water conditions, regular irrigation encourages summer blooms.

Is Calendula a perennial or annual?

Calendula officinalis is widely cultivated and can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils. Although perennial, it is commonly treated as an annual, particularly in colder regions where its winter survival is poor, and in hot summer locations where it also does not survive.

Can I eat calendula leaves?

Calendula flowers or just the petals can be used for culinary purposes. The leaves and petals of this plant are edible. The leaves are typically bitter and often are added to leafy salads.

Can calendula survive winter?

Though calendula plants can tolerate a light frost, they will not survive harsh northern winters. Those in warmer climates, however, can expect it to bloom all winter long!

How do you propagate calendula?

Wait until the flower has started to dry up and the petals are beginning to fall and remove the seed head with some pruning shears. Lay the seed head in a cool, dry area to finish drying. Then you can just shake the seeds out of the seed head. The seeds will be dry, brown, spiny and curled.