Calendula Seeds,
Oopsy Daisy

Calendula benefits from starting in cooler temperatures, so sow it directly outdoors a few weeks before your last frost is expected, or start it indoors 6 weeks before your last frost. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep; they germinate in 5 to 14 days, and the ideal germination temperature is 55 to 60 F, though it is fairly flexible. Succession sow another crop in summer for fall blooms.

• Seeds germinate in 5-14 days.
• Plants benefit from starting in cooler temperatures; sow them directly outdoors a few weeks before last frost is expected, or start indoors 6 weeks before last frost.
• Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep.
• The ideal germination temperature is 55-60 F, but is fairly flexible.

• Calendula is a short bushy annual; thin plants to 8-12 inches apart.
• The flowers are also well suited to interplanting with vegetables, and they grow especially well in concert with tomatoes and carrots.
• Calendula does not like excessive heat. Consistent temperatures over 85 F will cause the plants to decrease blooming. Heavily cutting back plants that have slowed production allows them to regrow as the season cools off in late summer.
• Keep plants deadheaded to encourage more blooming.
• Succession sow another crop in summer for fall blooms.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Typically quite pest-free, calendula can be bothered by aphids and white flies. Foliar application of insecticidal soap is the best remedy for these pests.
• To prevent powdery mildew, which can occur, use drip irrigation and improve air circulation by planting farther apart.

• Plants easily self-sow the following spring. If growing more than one variety of calendula, you will need to isolate by 1/4 mile from any other calendula varieties, or you can use caging techniques.
• Seeds are easy to save; the heads turn brown and seeds can easily be harvested in fall.
• Keep in a cool, dry, dark place until next spring.