Calendula Cultivation Guide: How to Plant, Grow and Care for ‘Pot Marigold’ in a Container

The herb garden benefits from the colorful addition of calendulas. Bright yellow and orange daisy-like blooms on the calendula are just as simple to cultivate in planting beds as they are in containers. Since chefs sprinkle calendula petals into pots to thicken and color soups and stews, the plant is also known as a ‘pot marigold’. Salads, sandwiches, soups, and stews get a peppery taste from the calendula blossoms.

Can Calendula Be Grown in Pots?

Although they have no connection to the lion-headed blossoms, calendulas are frequently referred to as pot marigolds. Calendula plants planted in containers provide color to group pots or offer stand-alone golden splendor. Marigold in pots works especially well with intense red hues, giving the event a sunset-like feel. Calendula also flowers for a long time without the need for deadheading and is simple to cultivate from seed. You can grow practically anything in a container as long as it has the correct nutrients, soil, moisture, and sunlight, and calendula is no exception. Here is a comprehensive guide about where, when, and how to plant calendula.

Suitable Location:

The northern regions with full sun and the southern ones with partial shade are where calendula grows best. Crowding and extreme heat are intolerable to calendula. Plant calendula in dappled shade in hot summer locations since it may struggle in the middle of the summer there.

Soil Preparation:

Plant in compost-rich, moisture-retentive soil that has good drainage. Calendulas thrive in soil with a pH of 6.6.

When to Plant?

Indoor seed starting: Calendulas can also be started indoors and transplanted outside when the soil is workable. However, avoid doing this while the weather is hot. Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks prior to the latest spring frost date. The germination time of seeds is 7 to 14 days. In the fall, plant seeds outside in southern locations.

When to plant outdoors: Transplant calendula seedlings into the garden a week before the final spring frost. Plant seeds outside once the soil reaches 60° C. In the fall, plant seeds outside where they will flourish.

How to Plant Calendula?

• Plant seeds between 14 and 12 inches deep.

• Calendula plants should be spaced 8 to 10 inches apart.

Companion Plant for Calendula

Calendula is claimed to protect plants from tomato hornworms and asparagus bugs. Use calendula as a trap plant to keep pests away from neighboring herbs and vegetables when they attract aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.

Taking Care of Calendula Grown in Containers

Calendula in a container requires very little maintenance. Keep the soil wet but not soggy. Applying deep drenches and letting the container air dry before watering again are the best practices. The plants do not require fertilizer when compost is included in the soil combination, although a high phosphorus formula can promote more flowers.

When seed heads turn brown, remove them from the plant and let them continue to dry. Remove the seeds, then store them in an envelope in a dry, dark place until the next season.

Happy Gardening!