When to Plant Calendula

Calendula is a beautiful and versatile plant that is commonly grown for its bright, cheery, orange and yellow flowers. Not only is it a stunning addition to any garden, but it also has medicinal properties and can be used in cooking. If you're interested in growing calendula, one of the most important things you'll need to know is when to plant it. In this article, we'll be discussing the best time to plant calendula, how to plant it, and some tips for caring for it.

When to Plant Calendula

Calendula is a cool-season plant, which means it can tolerate some light frost and cold temperatures. The best time to plant calendula is in the early spring, before the last frost. Depending on where you live, this could be anywhere from late February to early April. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to plant calendula in the fall for a winter harvest, but most people prefer to plant it in the spring.

How to Plant Calendula

Before you plant your calendula, you'll need to prepare your soil. Calendula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can mix compost or aged manure into your soil to improve its quality. You'll also want to make sure your soil is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Once your soil is prepared, you can plant your calendula seeds. Calendula seeds are relatively large, so they are easy to handle. You can plant them directly in the ground, about a quarter-inch deep, and about six inches apart. Water your seeds regularly, and be patient. Calendula can take up to two weeks to germinate.

Caring for Calendula

Once your calendula starts to grow, you'll need to care for it properly to ensure it thrives. Calendula prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Water your calendula regularly, but make sure not to overwater it. Calendula can be susceptible to fungal diseases, so it's important to keep its foliage dry.

You can also fertilize your calendula once a month to keep it healthy and blooming. Calendula doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, so a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer will do the trick. You can also deadhead your calendula regularly to promote more blooms.

Conclusion

Calendula is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to grow, and it is a great addition to any garden. Knowing when to plant calendula is key to ensuring its success, and planting it in the early spring is the best time. Once your calendula is planted, make sure to care for it properly by providing it with full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering. With a little care and attention, your calendula will reward you with beautiful, cheery blooms all season long.