Pot marigold: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you sow pot marigold outdoors?
Sow pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, directly where it will grow, in soil that is workable rather than frozen or waterlogged. Spring is usually suitable. Autumn sowing is also possible in a mild climate, although young plants may need protection from hard frosts. Choose your sowing time according to conditions in your garden rather than one fixed date.
Pick a sunny position with good drainage. Remove competing weeds, loosen the surface and break up large clods. Make shallow drills and distribute the seeds without crowding them together. Cover with about 1 cm of fine soil, firm gently and water with a fine spray so that the seeds stay in place.
Keep the seedbed slightly moist during germination, without allowing water to collect. Seedlings often emerge within one to two weeks in favourable conditions, but cold soil can make this slower. Mark the row so you can distinguish seedlings from weeds. Once several true leaves develop, thin out surplus plants: about 30 cm between plants is a useful guide, adjusted to the variety’s eventual size. The drought tolerance of established plants is no reason to let newly sown soil or young seedlings dry out.
When does pot marigold flower and how do you support its flowering?
How to care for this plant
-
Remove faded flowers
To encourage further flowering, remove faded flowers with their short stalks without damaging buds. Leave any heads you want to set seed or keep for wildlife.
When and how do you harvest pot marigold flowers?
