The Beautiful and Beneficial Calendula: Tips for Growing Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can bring both aesthetic and medicinal benefits to your garden. With its bright orange or yellow flowers and soothing effect on the skin, it's no wonder why many gardeners choose to grow calendula in their homes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, here are some tips to help you successfully grow calendula.

Choosing the Right Location

When choosing a location for your calendula, keep in mind that this plant thrives best in full sun but can also tolerate some shade. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0, so make sure to test your soil before planting. If your soil is too acidic, add some lime to raise the pH level. Additionally, avoid planting calendula in areas with high humidity or poor air circulation, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting calendula, it's important to prepare the soil properly to ensure optimal growth. Start by removing any weeds or debris from the planting area, then loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and fertility. This will also help the soil retain moisture and nutrients, which are essential for calendula growth.

Beautiful calendula flowers in a garden

Sowing Seeds or Transplanting Seedlings

You can start growing calendula either by sowing seeds directly into the soil or by transplanting seedlings. If you choose to sow seeds, do so in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and 6 inches apart, then water them gently. Keep the soil moist but not saturated until the seedlings appear, which usually takes about 10 days. Once the seedlings are large enough, thin them out to about 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.

If you prefer to transplant seedlings, start them indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant the seedlings in well-draining soil and water them regularly until they establish roots. Then, transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, making sure to space them about 12 inches apart.

Caring for Your Calendula

To ensure the health and beauty of your calendula, it's important to provide proper care throughout the growing season. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming, and fertilize the plants every month using a balanced fertilizer.

Calendula oil has many benefits for the skin

Harvesting and Using Calendula

One of the greatest benefits of growing calendula is its medicinal properties. Calendula oil and salve are commonly used in natural skincare products to soothe skin irritations, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation. To harvest calendula, wait until the flowers are fully open and then pick them in the morning when the dew has dried. Dry the flowers in a cool, dark place until they are crispy, then store them in an airtight container for future use.

Growing calendula is not only a great way to add beauty to your garden, but also to reap its many medicinal benefits. By choosing the right location, preparing the soil, sowing or transplanting seedlings, providing proper care, and harvesting the flowers correctly, you can successfully grow calendula in your home. Get started today and enjoy the beauty and benefits of this amazing plant!

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