How to Grow Calendula in Containers for a Beautiful Addition to Your Garden

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to grow in containers. With its bright orange and yellow blooms, calendula adds a pop of color to any garden or balcony. Plus, it has many medicinal uses and is great for attracting beneficial insects. In this article, we will show you how to grow calendula in containers so you can enjoy its beauty and benefits all season long.

Choosing the Right Container

The first step in growing calendula in containers is choosing the right pot. Calendula plants don't have deep roots, so a shallow container will work just fine. However, they do need enough space to spread out and grow, so make sure the pot is at least 6-8 inches deep and wide. You can use a plastic or terra cotta pot, but make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot.

A healthy calendula plant in a container

Soil and Fertilizer

Calendula plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. You can use a standard potting mix, but add some perlite or sand to improve drainage. It's also a good idea to mix in some compost or aged manure to provide additional nutrients. If your potting mix doesn't already contain slow-release fertilizer, you can add some granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Potting mix enriched with perlite and compost

Planting Calendula Seeds

Calendula seeds are easy to find at most garden centers or online. You can start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly in the container after the danger of frost has passed. Fill the container with potting mix and make small indentations about 1/4 inch deep. Place one seed in each indentation and cover lightly with soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate in 7-14 days.

Calendula seeds ready for planting

Caring for Calendula Plants

Calendula plants are relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive. Water the plants deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Don't overwater or let the soil stay soggy, as this can cause root rot. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers to bloom. Additionally, pinch back the tips of the stems when the plant reaches about 6 inches tall to promote bushier growth.

Deadheading spent blooms to encourage new growth

Harvesting and Using Calendula

Calendula blooms can be harvested throughout the growing season and used for various purposes. To harvest the blooms, wait until they are fully open and then snip them off with a pair of scissors. You can use the blooms fresh or dry them for later use. Calendula has many medicinal uses, including reducing inflammation, relieving skin irritation, and promoting wound healing. To use calendula for these purposes, you can make an infused oil or salve using the dried blooms.

Harvested calendula blooms ready for use

Growing calendula in containers is a simple and rewarding way to add color and versatility to your garden. With a few basic supplies and some TLC, you can enjoy these beautiful blooms all season long and even use them for their many health benefits. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

Calendula, container gardening, urban gardening, natural remedies, DIY skincare