General information about Calendula Seeds
- Sowing Season: Early Spring or Fall.
- Germination: 8-15 Days
- Harvest in: 50-70 Days
What’s in the Box
- Calendula Seeds
- Sowing instructions printed on backside of Seed Packet
- Recyclable Pouch
Introduction to Calendula
Calendula, known for its vibrant yellow to orange flowers, is a beloved plant in gardens and herbal medicine alike. These versatile flowers not only brighten your garden but also serve as a valuable ingredient in skin care, teas, and culinary dishes. Growing Calendula from seeds is a rewarding experience, offering both beauty and utility. This guide will walk you through the process, from sowing to harvesting, ensuring you cultivate thriving Calendula plants.
Guide to the Germination Process, Soil & Fertilizer, Watering & Pest Control Requirements for Calendula Seeds:
▶ Seeds Germination Process
- Seed Preparation: Calendula seeds do not require pre-treatment. However, soaking them in water for 6-8 hours can accelerate germination.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0) are ideal.
- Sowing: Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them in, ensuring they are not buried deeper than ¼ inch. Space seeds 12-18 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth.
- Watering: Water gently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle or watering can is recommended.
- Light Requirement: While Calendula seeds can germinate in partial shade, they perform best in full sunlight. Ensure your planting area receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Monitoring: Watch for seedlings within a week. Thin out weaker ones, leaving the healthiest to thrive.
▶ Soil & Fertilizer Requirement
- Soil: Opt for nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Adding compost or aged manure before planting improves soil fertility and structure.
- Fertilizer: Calendula benefits from light feeding. Use an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 NPK) once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms.
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
▶ Watering Requirement
- Frequency: Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry spells.
- Technique: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Drainage: Ensure your planting area has good drainage to prevent root rot. Raised beds or containers with drainage holes work well.
▶ Pest Control Requirement
- Aphids: Spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids.
- Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control infestations.
- Slugs and Snails: Handpick these pests during early morning or late evening. Use organic barriers like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth around plants.
- Powdery Mildew: Ensure adequate air circulation by spacing plants properly. Avoid overhead watering and remove affected foliage promptly.
- Companion Planting: Grow Calendula alongside pest-repelling plants like garlic or marigolds. Calendula itself acts as a trap crop, attracting pests away from other plants.
Alternate Names
- Hindi: कैलेंडुला फूल के बीज
- Bengali: ক্যালেন্ডুলা ফুলের বীজ
- Marathi: कॅलेंडुला फुलांच्या बिया
- Telugu: కలేన్ద్యులా పువ్వు విత్తనాలు
- Tamil: காலெண்டுலா மலர் விதைகள்
- Gujarati: કેલેંડુલા ફૂલના બીજ
- Kannada: ಕ್ಯಾಲೆಡುಲ ಹೂವಿನ ಬೀಜಗಳು
- Odia: କ୍ୟାଲେଣ୍ଡୁଲା ଫୁଲ ବିହନ
- Malayalam: കലണ്ടുല പുഷ്പ വിത്തുകൾ
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