HOW TO GROW CALENDULAS
CALENDULA FLOWERS GROWING FACTS:
Calendulas are bright orange flowers, also known as pot marigolds. Along with its ornamental uses, Calendula has also been used for cosmetic and medicinal reasons. They are easy to grow, low maintenance and tolerant to high temperatures. Calendulas also repel pests and protect your other plants.
GIY KIT CONTENTS:
Unpack the kit. Fill your pot with the given growing medium (soil mix) and level the surface. Wet the growing medium with water to provide the right environment for seeds to germinate.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
GERMINATION:
The sprouts should emerge within 5 -15 days. Make sure that the growing medium stays moist.
WATER REQUIREMENT:
Water regularly. Check the soil once or twice each day for moisture loss. In summer months, you may have to water twice a day.
TRANSPLANTING AND GROWTH:
When seedlings grow about 3 inches tall, transplant them into a desired pot or open space.
Before transplanting, keep one healthy plant and remove others. At the base of the soil, cut the weakest seedlings out. Be careful not to disturb the roots of the healthy plant. This process is called plant thinning and its a great way to ensure healthy growth.
Soil preparation for transplanting:
Calendulas will grow in poor soil but they require good drainage. Calendula plants aren't fussy about soil conditions as long as the planting site has good drainage The soil is clean from any weed or insect.
If planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes. As far as soil quality is concerned, Calendulas are not very fussy, but they grow well in moderately fertile well-drained soil.
Calendula plant can grow 1-2 feet tall.
FLOWERING:
Calendulas start blooming in 50-60 days after planting. Remove dead/faded flowers from the plant regularly to promote regular bloom and maintain plant’s look.
Sometimes this plant can become a permanent garden resident by obligingly re-seeding itself.
FERTILIZER:
Calendula is a hardy plant and does not require fertilizers if planted in a good quality soil. If needed, use Neem based Bio-Fertilizers and Bio-Pesticides.
INSECTS AND DISEASES:
Insects and disease are usually not a problem for Calendula. In fact, it may be helpful for deterring many insect pests, making it a good companion plant for vegetable gardens.