Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a cheerful and versatile annual that adds vibrant colour to gardens and containers. Follow this planting guide for successful cultivation and a burst of bright blooms.

Selecting the Planting Site

Sunlight Requirements: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Calendula thrives in well-lit areas.

Soil Conditions: Plant in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Calendula is adaptable but prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil.

Planting Time

Optimal Timing: Plant Calendula seeds directly in the garden or containers after the last frost date in spring. They can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.

Planting Process

Direct Sowing: If planting seeds directly, sow them 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil. Space seeds about 6-12 inches apart.

Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings once they have 2-4 true leaves. Space transplants according to the mature plant size.

Watering

Establishment Period: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination and early growth stages.

Moderate Watering: Once established, Calendula is somewhat drought tolerant. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch but avoid prolonged dry spells.

Mulching

Light Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilisation

Minimal Fertilisation: Calendula is not heavy feeder. Incorporate compost into the soil before planting, and additional feeding may not be necessary.

Support

Generally Unnecessary: Calendula typically doesn’t require staking or additional support, as it has a bushy and compact growth habit.

Pruning

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. This also helps maintain a neat appearance.

Pest and Disease Management

Aphid Control: Keep an eye out for aphids, which can be a common issue. Hose them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

Blooms: Harvest Calendula flowers when they are fully open. Pick regularly to encourage more blooms.

Container Gardening

Well-Draining Soil: If planting in containers, use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

Adequate Space: Provide enough space between plants in containers to allow for proper growth.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Companions: Plant Calendula near vegetables like tomatoes and beans to attract beneficial insects.

Winter Considerations

Annual Growth: Calendula is an annual plant, so it completes its life cycle within a year. Collect seeds for future planting.

By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a colourful display of Calendula blooms. Adapt care based on your specific growing conditions and enjoy the beauty and versatility that Calendula brings to your garden.

Congratulations on cultivating the vibrant and versatile Calendula (pot marigold) in your garden! Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the continued health and beauty of these cheerful annuals. Follow this guide for effective post-planting care:

Watering

Moderate Watering: While Calendula is somewhat drought-tolerant, provide regular water, especially during dry spells. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding waterlogged conditions.

Morning Watering: Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching

Mulch Renewal: Keep a thin layer of mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Renew the mulch as needed.

Fertilisation

Minimal Fertilisation: Calendula doesn’t require heavy feeding. If the soil is nutrient-poor, you can top-dress with compost or a balanced fertiliser in early spring.

Support

Generally Unnecessary: Calendula plants are usually compact and sturdy, requiring minimal support. However, if you notice any leaning or flopping, provide gentle support.

Deadheading

Regular Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. This also prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production, promoting more flowers.

Pest and Disease Management

Aphid Control: Keep an eye out for aphids, particularly during warmer months. Use a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap to control infestations.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases. Prune or thin if necessary.

Harvesting

Continuous Harvest: Continue to harvest Calendula blooms regularly. This not only provides you with fresh flowers but also encourages the plant to produce more.

Container Gardening

Regular Check: If growing in containers, regularly check the soil moisture and water accordingly. Ensure containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilise Sparingly: Container plants may benefit from occasional feeding with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Companions: Calendula attracts beneficial insects. Consider planting them near vegetables that benefit from pollinators, such as tomatoes and beans.

Winter Considerations

Annual Growth: Calendula is an annual, and it completes its life cycle within a year. Collect seeds for future planting if desired.

Disease Prevention

Remove Affected Foliage: If you notice any signs of disease, promptly remove affected foliage to prevent the spread of infections.

By following these aftercare tips, you’ll ensure that your Calendula plants continue to thrive, providing your garden with vibrant colours and cheerful blooms. Adapt these recommendations based on your specific growing conditions and enjoy the beauty that Calendula brings to your landscape.

While we aim to provide robust and healthy plants, it’s crucial to acknowledge that certain factors, particularly extreme weather conditions, are beyond our control. Events such as severe frost, prolonged heatwaves, high winds, or exceptionally heavy rainfall can impact the health of your Calendula.

Our Advice

Weather Monitoring: Stay vigilant and regularly monitor local weather forecasts, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Protective Measures: Consider implementing protective measures during extreme conditions, such as providing temporary shading during intense heat or covering plants during unexpected frost.

Aftermath Assessment: Following extreme weather events, assess the condition of your Calendula plants. If damage occurs, follow appropriate care steps, including pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering routines.

Limitations

Natural Variables: Calendula, like any living organism, is influenced by natural variables. Extreme weather events are inherent risks that may impact plant health despite best care practices.

No Guarantee: Due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Calendula’s response to such conditions. Plants may exhibit stress or damage beyond our control.

Customer Responsibility

Preventive Measures: We encourage you to take proactive measures based on weather forecasts and to implement protective strategies to minimise potential harm during extreme weather.

Adaptation: Recognise that Calendula, while resilient, may respond differently to various weather conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

Contact Us

If you have specific concerns or questions related to extreme weather impacts on your Calendula plants, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer guidance and support within the scope of our expertise.

Email: info@proctorsnursery.co.uk

Note: This disclaimer serves to acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the associated risks to Calendula plants. Your understanding, proactive care, and prompt communication are key to ensuring the well-being of your garden.