Seeds Description
The seeds vary quite a bit in shape and color. Some seeds are more tightly curved, while others are shaped more on the order of a crescent moon.
Starting Seeds Indoors
You can start calendula seeds indoors approximately four to six weeks before the last spring frost. Even though I know the plants reseed itself, I still enjoy starting a few plants indoors and transplanting them directly into the garden!
- Fill a plastic pot with moist seed compost to the top.
- Place calendula seeds on the surface of the compost in the pot.
- Press the seeds into the compost.
- Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of compost over the seeds.
- Firm the compost with your fingers and water gently.
- Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged.
- Place a plastic bag over the pot to maintain humidity and keep the room temperature to 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) to encourage germination.
- Make sure the location you choose receives at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight each day.
- Once the seeds germinate, remove the plastic bag and move the pot into indirect sunlight, and make sure the soil stays moist but not wet.
- Once the seedlings have a few sets of leaves, they may be transplanted into the garden as long as it is past the frost free date for your gardening zone.
Hardening off Seedlings
In order to give your plants the best chance of success, it is best to ‘harden them off’ prior to leaving them outside full-time. About 7 days before planting your plants outdoors, help acclimate them to temperatures, sunlight, and wind. This is the process of hardening off, or gradually acclimating your new plants to outdoor conditions. These plants have spent their short lives in a warm, sunny, protected place and won't fare well if you don't expose them slowly to the elements. Before you intend to plant, put your transplants outdoors in an area where they'll be protected from the direct sunlight and wind. Leave them out for a few hours and bring them back inside. Repeat this each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they're outside and the degree of exposure to sun and wind. Gradual exposure helps your plants toughen up and reduces the possibility of injury. With proper hardening off, they’ll have an easier transition to the garden and begin producing lovely flowers sooner.
When all danger of frost has passed, transplant the sturdiest seedlings outdoors, and keep them moist and weed-free until well established.
Your Calendula plants begin blooming 45–60 days after germination and as long as you keep on top of picking the flowers, they’ll continue blooming and producing all throughout the summer and autumn.
Now that you’ve learned how to stat calendula from seed, grow your own and take advantage of their health benefits and long-lasting blooms in your garden!
Please let us know your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. If you like this, you can share with your friends.
Happy gardening!
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