How to Grow Calendula from Seed: A Complete Growing Guide

Getting Started: Seed Selection and Timing

Choosing Quality Seeds

While there are many seed sources available, the quality and freshness of your seeds significantly impacts your success. I highly recommend the Medicinal Garden Kit from Nicole Apelian, which includes seeds have been handpicked from the very best plants. My seeds germinated quickly and what I particularly appreciate about this kit is that it provides not just the seeds, but also the knowledge needed to utilize the plants once they’re grown.

Timing

Timing is key to success growing calendula flower seeds. For most climates, knowing when to start calendula seeds indoors or outdoors can make the difference between success and failure. Here’s my recommended timeline:

• Primary planting season: September-October for winter blooming
• Secondary planting season: Late January-February for spring blooms
• Avoid planting during the hottest months when temperatures consistently exceed 85°F (29°C)

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Starting Your Seeds (Days 1-7)

1. Choose your containers:
   • Use pots with good drainage
   • Small starter pots or cell trays work well
   • Ensure holes in the bottom for water drainage
2. Prepare your growing medium:
   • Use a quality seed starting mix
   • Pre-moisten soil before planting
   • Fill containers leaving 1/2 inch at top
3. Plant your seeds:
   • Depth: 1/4 inch (6mm)
   • Place 2-4 seeds per pot
   • Gently cover with soil
   • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Seedling Care (Weeks 2-4)

1. Light requirements:
   • Morning sun only (before 10 AM)
   • Filtered or dappled shade during midday
   • Protection from intense afternoon sun
2. Watering needs:
   • Keep soil evenly moist
   • Water at soil level to prevent fungal issues
   • Check moisture daily in hot weather
   • Reduce watering on cloudy days

Transplanting (Week 4-5)

1. Choosing containers:
   • Use 8-inch or larger pots
   • Ensure excellent drainage
   • Terra cotta pots work well in hot climates
2. Prepare growing mix:
   • Quality potting soil
   • Add extra perlite for drainage
   • Mix in some compost for nutrients

Ongoing Care

Temperature Management

• Plants may slow or stop blooming above 85°F (29°C)
• Protect from intense afternoon sun

Consider using:

• 30% shade cloth during peak heat
• Positioning near taller plants for natural shade
• Moving pots to cooler spots during heat waves

Feeding Schedule

• Start feeding 2 weeks after transplanting
• Use organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
• Liquid seaweed or diluted fish emulsion work well
• Reduce feeding during extreme heat

Managing Common Issues

1. Heat stress prevention:
   • Monitor for wilting or leaf curl
   • Provide afternoon shade
   • Maintain consistent moisture
   • Consider misting in very dry conditions
2. Disease prevention:
   • Apply neem oil every two weeks
   • Water at soil level only
   • Maintain good air circulation
   • Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves promptly

Harvesting and Usage

Collecting Flowers

• Harvest in early morning
• Pick fully opened flowers
• Cut stems just above leaf nodes
• Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers

How to Harvest Calendula Seeds

Learning how to harvest calendula seeds is essential for maintaining a continuous supply. Here’s my proven process:

1. Allow some flowers to fully mature and dry on the plant
2. Watch for the flower heads to turn completely brown
3. Collect the dried heads on a dry, sunny day
4. Gently remove the curved seeds from the dried head
5. Store your harvested seeds in paper envelopes in a cool, dry place

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Yellow leaves	Heat stress or overwatering	Provide more shade, check drainage
Few blooms	Too much heat or shade	Adjust location, timing
Wilting	Heat stress or dry soil	Increase watering, add shade
Powdery patches	High humidity/poor air flow	Improve circulation, use neem oil

Final Tips for Success

• Start small with a few plants
• Monitor daily in hot weather
• Be prepared to adjust care based on weather
• Keep detailed notes of what works in your climate

Growing calendula in warm climates requires some adaptation, but the rewards are worth the effort. With these guidelines and careful attention to your plants’ needs, you can successfully grow this valuable medicinal herb.

If you’d like to follow along as I grow these medicinal plants and create healing recipes with them, join me on my gardening journey. Together, we’ll explore the wonderful world of medicinal herbs and their traditional uses!

Happy Growing! 🌱