Starting calendula from seed indoors is a great way to start gardening earlier in the season. Even though I know the plants reseed itself, I still enjoy starting a few plants indoors and transplanting them directly into the garden!
When you start your own seeds indoors, you can be sure that your plants have been raised organically, and by sprouting and nursing your own seedlings, you don't have to wait for warm weather to get your hands dirty, it's easy and fun.
Here's my step-by-step guide to what you need to know how to grow calendula Indoors, and keep them alive and healthy before transplanting in the right place they deserve. This sunny flower deserves a prime spot in your garden.
To grow calendula, begin with viable SEEDS!
Calendula Seeds Description
Calendula seeds vary quite a bit in shape and color. Some seeds are more tightly curved, while others are shaped more on the order of crescent moon.
How to Sow Calendula Seeds
- Fill a 2-inch plastic pot with good quality organic seed starting mix, leaving a half-inch of space between the potting soil's surface and the top of the pot.
- Place calendula seeds on the surface of the starting mix in the pot.
- Press the seeds into the compost, and cover them with soil.
- Keep the seeds covered with soil, as light inhibits germination.
- Firm the soil with your fingers and water gently with water spray.
- Cover the pot with a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Set the pot near a sunny window with southern exposure.
- Make sure the location you choose receives at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight each day.
- Calendula seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days if given optimal conditions.
- Discard the plastic wrap when the calendula seeds germinate.
- After germination, calendula seedlings must receive bright light. Insufficient light causes seedlings to elongate, as they search for light.
- Calendula seedlings need to be kept moist. As the plant grows, don't overwater your seedlings. You want your seed starting mix to maintain consistent moisture, but not be wet. Water as needed.
Hardening off Calendula seedlings
In order to give your calendula seedlings the best chance of success, it is best to ‘harden them off’ prior to leaving them outside full time. About 7 days before planting your plants outdoors, help acclimate them to temperatures, sunlight, and wind. This is the process of hardening off, or gradually acclimating your new plants to outdoor conditions. These plants have spent their short lives in a warm, sunny, protected place and won't fare well if you don't expose them slowly to the elements. Before you intend to plant, put your transplants outdoors in an area where they'll be protected from the direct sunlight and wind. Leave them out for a few hours and bring them back inside. Repeat this each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they're outside and the degree of exposure to sun and wind. Gradual exposure helps your plants toughen up and reduces the possibility of injury. With proper hardening off, they’ll have an easier transition to the garden and begin flowering sooner.
I hope with these simple tips, you can start calendula from seeds indoors and replant the seedlings in pots, containers or in the garden, which will allow you to enjoy cheery blooms earlier in the season!
Watch How to Grow Calendula From Seeds Video
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