When Is the Best Time to Sow Calendula? 3 Key Planting Tips Explained

Both the leaves and petals of calendula are edible and are often used to garnish dishes. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation. Many friends started growing calendula after seeing its value, but they don't know when it is best to sow it. Today we will explain in detail the key points to note when growing calendula!

1. When is the most suitable time to sow calendula seeds?

Calendula can be sown either in spring or autumn. If you choose spring sowing, February to May is the most suitable; if you choose autumn sowing, August to October is the most suitable. During these months, calendula has the highest germination rate. If you want to know a more specific sowing time, you need to analyze it according to local climate and other conditions. After all, our country is vast and includes different climate zones and terrain areas, so temperatures vary significantly from place to place, and the optimal sowing time is not entirely fixed.

2. How to grow calendula from seed

1. Seed treatment

Before planting, carry out germination treatment by soaking the seeds in warm water for 3-10 hours, until the seeds absorb water and swell. For some very common seeds that germinate easily, this step can be skipped, but to improve the germination rate of calendula, soaking appropriately is fine.

2. Sowing method

For tiny seeds that are difficult to pick up with your hands or other tools, you can moisten one end of a toothpick with water and stick the seeds one by one onto the surface of the growing medium, then cover them with 1 cm of medium.

Then place the sown flowerpot into water, with the water depth at 1/2 to 2/3 of the pot's height, so the water slowly soaks upward and does not wash the seeds away.

3. Care after sowing

After autumn sowing, to avoid the invasion of cold waves and low temperatures, you can wrap the flowerpot in a plastic bag to keep it warm and moist. After the seedlings emerge, uncover the plastic film and let the seedlings receive sunlight before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. every day; otherwise the seedlings will grow very weak.

After the seeds have fully sprouted, you can thin the seedlings appropriately, leaving a certain distance between each plant and pulling out the poorly growing seedlings. When most of the small seedlings have grown more than 3 leaves, they can be potted up.

The three points above are the methods for growing calendula from seed, very suitable for beginners.

3. 3 key points to note when growing calendula explained in detail

1. Choosing soil

Calendula has no special requirements for soil. Generally, well-drained soil is enough for its normal growth. However, to avoid pests and diseases, it is best to deeply plow the soil before sowing, and if conditions permit, you can also disinfect it. It is best to choose fertile, loose, well-drained sandy loam or potting soil.

2. Germination treatment

Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for one to two days to make them swell. This not only helps them sprout quickly but also ensures uniform sprouting. During soaking, remove the shriveled seeds floating on the surface, which can also effectively improve the germination rate. In addition, when sowing, do not cover the seeds with too much soil; about one centimeter is enough.

3. Maintaining a suitable temperature

The suitable growing temperature for calendula is 7-20°C. Seedlings can withstand low temperatures of -9°C in winter, while adult plants are best kept at 0°C. If the temperature is too low, plastic film protection is needed, otherwise the leaves are prone to frost damage. If the winter temperature is above 10°C, calendula will grow leggy. When summer temperatures rise, the stems and leaves grow vigorously, the flowers become smaller, and the petals noticeably decrease.

Calendula is neither resistant to wind and cold nor tolerant of high temperatures. It cannot grow normally at temperatures above 34°C or below 4°C. Its most suitable growing temperature is around 15 to 20°C. In addition, calendula prefers a relatively humid growing environment, but if the humidity is too high, it can also cause the flowers to wither prematurely and even the roots to rot and die.

The above 3 points are the matters that require special attention when growing calendula.

Summary: The above content covers the relevant knowledge points on growing calendula, and we hope it can help everyone. This article is compiled from the internet.