Calendula is one of the easiest flowers to grow; you often find that if you have planted Calendula in your garden once you’ll have it forever as it readily seeds and spreads. Calendula flowers vary in colour from bright yellows and oranges to two-toned cream, salmon and bronze types or look out for silver and peach tones.
3 steps to planting calendula
Prepare
Calendulas start flowering as the temperatures cool and continue through until the hottest part of the year. Plant in sun or shade in moist soil, rich in compost or organic matter. Plants readily germinate from seed and can be sown in situ where you want to grow them.
Some favourite varieties to look out for in both seed packets and punnets are Bronze Beauty, Calypso Mix, Neon and Red Glow.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
Plant
Calendulas are perfect for planting with Polyanthus, Pansies and Violas and are also well known companion plants.
The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Rose & Shrub Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Nourish
Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Caldendulas with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser in autumn.
A well watered, well nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Calendulas are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
To prevent plants from seeding, remove spent flower heads.
The flowers are edible and can be added to salads or used as garnish.