How to Plant Calendula Seeds in Pots

Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, is an easy-to-grow, colorful annual flower that offers a wide range of benefits to gardens, including attracting bees and butterflies, providing edible and medicinal parts, and bringing bright hues to garden beds and containers. Growing calendula from seed is a great way to start your garden journey, and planting these seeds in pots allows you to grow them indoors and outdoors, even if you have limited space or soil. Here are the steps you can take to plant calendula seeds in pots.

Choose Your Pot

The first step in planting calendula seeds in pots is to choose the right pot. Look for a pot that is at least 6 inches in diameter and has drainage holes at the bottom. Calendula prefers well-drained soil and does not like to sit in water, so drainage holes are crucial. You can use a terracotta pot, plastic container, or any other pot you prefer, as long as it meets these criteria.

Select Your Soil

Calendula grows best in loose, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a high-quality potting soil mix or create your mix by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and garden soil. Avoid using heavy soil, such as soil with clay content, which can retain water and suffocate the roots. Fill the pot with soil to about an inch below the rim, leaving enough space to water and plant the seeds.

Plant Your Seeds

When it comes to planting calendula seeds, you can either direct sow them in the pot or start them indoors and transplant them later. If you choose to direct sow, plant the seeds about an inch deep and an inch apart in the soil. Water the soil gently, making sure not to disturb the seeds. If you decide to start the seeds indoors, sow them in seed starting trays or small containers, and transfer them to the pot after a few weeks when they are big enough to handle.

Provide Light and Water

Calendula requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, so place the pot in a sunny location, such as a south-facing window or a patio. Water the pot regularly, making sure not to overwater or underwater the soil. Calendula prefers moist but not soggy soil, so feel the soil with your finger to determine if it needs watering. If the soil feels dry, water the pot until the water starts draining out of the holes, and if it feels moist, wait a few more days to water.

Care for Your Calendula Plant

Once your calendula seeds have germinated and started growing, you can care for them by pinching off the dead flowers and leaves to promote new growth and prevent diseases. You can also fertilize the pot every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer formula, such as 10-10-10, according to the package instructions. Additionally, monitor the plant for pests and diseases, such as aphids and powdery mildew, and take prompt action if you notice any signs of infestation.

Harvest Your Calendula Flowers

In about 8-10 weeks, your calendula plant should start blooming with vivid orange, yellow, or red flowers. You can harvest the flowers by snipping them off using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or garden shears. Use the flowers fresh or dry them for later use, such as making teas, infusions, salves, or soaps. Calendula flowers are known for their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and wound-healing properties and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare.

In conclusion, planting calendula seeds in pots is an exciting and rewarding way to bring color, beauty, and health to your indoor and outdoor spaces. By following the above steps and caring for your plant, you can enjoy the delightful blooms of calendula and reap their many benefits.