How to grow calendula from seeds in containers.

Calendula also called pot marigold is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are about 16 varieties of this plant and the flowers come in colours like red, yellow, orange and apricot. Calendula is native to Mediterranean countries. They can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide.Here is how to grow calendula from seeds.

Growing conditions for Calendula

These flowers can be grown during the spring and summer seasons. This flower is not frost and drought-tolerant. Extreme temperatures can harm this plant. Calendula needs fertile soil to grow well. The optimum temperature for these plants to thrive is between 16°C to 17 °C (61°F to 63°F). Calendula needs 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. At the same time make sure you give the plant some afternoon shade if the summers are too hot.

Grow calendula from seeds

It’s best to sow the seeds directly on containers rather than seed trays as transplant shock can harm the saplings. The container must be at least 10 inches deep and have proper drainage holes as waterlogged soil can cause root rot in the plants. Seeds should be sown half inch deep and there should be 3 inch gap between the seeds. You can add fertiliser to your plants once a month. Calendula takes 2 months to give flowers after germination.Pinching the growing tip can encourage the bushy growth of the plant. Deheading old flowers produce more blooms.

Pests and Diseases

To control insects like aphids and whiteflies in your plants you can use neem oil or diatomaceous earth. If slugs or snails harm your plants you can handpick them. You can also reduce the amount of mulch in your garden to control the slug and snail population.