Calendula Seed Propagation: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Calendula from Seed

Calendula, also known as marigold, is a popular and easy-to-grow annual flower that blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Not only does it add a bright pop of color to your garden, but it also has medicinal properties and can be used for culinary purposes. If you’re interested in growing calendula in your garden, this beginner’s guide will teach you how to propagate calendula from seed.

What You Will Need

Before you get started with calendula seed propagation, you will need a few supplies:

• Calendula seeds
• Potting soil
• Seedling trays or small pots
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Fertilizer (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Calendula Seed Propagation

1. Start with Good Quality Seeds

The first step in calendula seed propagation is to start with good quality seeds. Look for seeds that are fresh and free from damage or disease. You can purchase calendula seeds online or at your local garden center.

Choose high-quality calendula seeds for best results.

2. Prepare the Soil

Fill your seedling trays or small pots with potting soil. Calendula prefers well-draining soil, so make sure your soil mix includes perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Water the soil thoroughly before sowing the seeds.

Prepare the soil before sowing the calendula seeds.

3. Sow the Seeds

Sow the calendula seeds on top of the soil and lightly press them into the surface. Calendula seeds are small, so be careful not to bury them too deep. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and mist the surface with water using a watering can or spray bottle.

Sow the calendula seeds on top of the soil and mist with water.

4. Provide Adequate Light and Water

Place your seedling trays or pots in a sunny location where they will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by watering with a watering can or spray bottle when the surface of the soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the seeds to rot.

Provide adequate light and water for your calendula seedlings.

5. Fertilize (Optional)

If desired, fertilize your calendula seedlings every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to leggy plants with fewer flowers.

Fertilize your calendula seedlings every two weeks for best results.

6. Transplant Seedlings

When your calendula seedlings have grown their second set of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground. Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling and gently place the seedling in the hole. Fill in the soil around the roots and water thoroughly.

Transplant your calendula seedlings into larger pots or directly into the ground.

7. Care for Your Calendula Plants

Once your calendula plants are established, they require minimal care. Water them regularly and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Calendula is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails. If necessary, treat with an insecticide or remove pests by hand.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Propagating calendula from seed is a simple and rewarding process that even novice gardeners can accomplish. With the right supplies and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms and medicinal benefits of this versatile plant in your own garden. Happy planting!

marigold, annual flower, propagation, gardening, seedlings, potting mix, sunlight, watering