Calendula, or marigolds, is a flowering herb from the Astrov family. The flower is found in the usual natural environment of the Mediterranean and Western Europe, and has about 20 species and varieties of annuals and perennials. Each of the types has its own characteristics and differences. Some have high decorative properties, while others are medicinal plants widely used in traditional and folk medicine.
Description of calendula flower
Calendula translated from Latin means "the first day of the month." The plant consists of a strong root system, simple light green oval or elongated leaves, single bright yellow or orange flowers and fruits - achenes. The seeds are highly germinating within 5 years after harvest. In most cases, calendula reproduces by self-seeding. The flowering period is quite long - from the very beginning of summer to almost the end of autumn.
Growing calendula from seeds
Sowing seeds
In a garden or flowerbed, seeds can be sown in spring (around mid-April) or fall (mid-October).
For spring planting, a well-warmed and dry soil from melted snow is needed. It is preliminarily recommended to dig it up, approximately 10-15 days before sowing the seeds, making various nutritious dressings during the work. For each square meter of land area, you will need: humus - 3-4 kg, superphosphate and potassium chloride - 20 g each, urea - 30 g. If the future flower garden is dug up in the autumn, then humus is added to the soil, as well as fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus. In the spring, it will remain to feed the flower beds with nitrogen supplements.
The depth of planting seeds is no more than 2 cm. The planting pattern is different for different species and varieties. Decorative varieties are sown at a distance of 20-30 cm, between rows - 60-70 cm.Medicinal species - at a distance of 7-10 cm, between rows - 30-40 cm.
The first shoots will appear in 7-10 days, and after 15-20 days, the first thinning of the seedlings is carried out, after which a desert segment about 35 cm long should appear between the crops. Young plants removed during the thinning process will easily take root in a new place, so they not worth throwing away. The first flowering after sowing seeds in open ground can be seen in 2-2.5 months.
Seedling of calendula
When planting seedlings on open ground, the flowering of calendula can begin much earlier. Its cultivation begins from March 20th to April 10th. Seeds are sown in planting boxes or in small plastic cups filled with soil mixture for garden flower crops. The depth of planting seeds is 1-2 cm.The soil with the crops is moistened and covered with polyethylene for 6-10 days, until the first shoots appear. The containers must be kept in a bright room with room temperature. Seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight. In the future, the seedlings are grown at a temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius.
The main care of young plants consists in moderate moistening of the substrate in containers and in regular fertilization (once every 10-15 days). As a top dressing, it is recommended to use a weak concentration of a complex mineral fertilizer. When 2-3 full-fledged leaves appear, a dive can be carried out. Seedlings are transplanted into individual cups or thinned out, leaving an interval between them of at least 5 cm.
Planting calendula in open ground
When to plant calendula
Planting seedlings on open flower beds is carried out in steady warm weather and if the plants have at least 5-6 full-fledged formed leaves. The most favorable time for this is the second half of May.
Calendula is highly resistant to cold and light frosts, but still, as a preventive measure, it is worth carrying out preliminary hardening procedures with seedlings. The containers in which the seedlings grow are recommended for 7-10 days before planting in the open ground every day to take out to fresh air for 5-6 hours (for example, on an open veranda or on an unglazed balcony).
Landing rules
The flower bed or flower garden should be located in an open, sunny place with fertile and well-drained soil. When choosing a site, it is worth remembering that the root system of calendula negatively affects the basil and radish planted nearby, but for many other vegetable and garden plants it is a reliable protector against pests. The specific aroma of marigolds scares away ticks and butterflies, therefore it is recommended to plant calendula in the aisles on vegetable beds.
The seedling planting scheme is similar to the seed planting scheme. It also differs among medicinal and ornamental species and varieties. The first flowering with the seedling method of cultivation begins in 1.5-2 months.
Caring for calendula in the garden
You don't have to spend a lot of free time and effort on growing marigolds. The unpretentiousness of this flowering plant allows you to get by with minimal effort.
Watering
Regular watering is not required for plants, the only exception is prolonged dry weather.
The soil
Throughout the entire flowering period, it is recommended to loosen the soil and remove weeds in a timely manner.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Complex mineral dressings should be applied once a month during the entire summer and autumn seasons.
Pruning
To extend the flowering period, regular pruning of opened inflorescences - baskets will be required. Without this procedure, the calendula will stop blooming in a month. The constant removal of open flowers will promote the formation of a large number of new buds, as well as abundant and long-lasting flowering.
Calendula after flowering
Seed collection
To prevent self-seeding, it is recommended to put small bags of gauze or fine calico fabric on ripening seeds. In this case, the seeds can be harvested after they are fully ripe, safe and sound. It is recommended to store the seed in small paper bags or in cloth bags in a dark place with dry air.
Preparing for winter
Annual species of calendula after flowering are removed from the flower bed and disposed of. The land must be dug up, fertilized and left until next season.
Diseases and pests
Since the culture with its aroma is capable of scaring away many insects, pests are practically not dangerous to it. The only possible pest is aphids. You can destroy the aphid invasion by spraying with such drugs: Akarin, Aktellik, Antitlin, Biotlin.
As a preventive measure against various diseases, it is recommended to prevent thickening in the flower bed and the growth of weeds. When diseases appear, it is worth immediately removing the damaged parts of the plant or the entire bush.
Possible diseases of calendula are powdery mildew and black spot. Signs of the appearance of diseases are black or brown spots on the leafy part of plants, a light bloom of a white tint. With a large spread of the disease, immediate treatment will be required. For spraying a flower garden, the following preparations are recommended: Topaz, Fundazol, Topsin.
Calendula properties and uses
Healing properties
The medicinal properties of calendula are in great demand in medicine, and therefore the cultivation of this crop occurs on an industrial scale. Tinctures, ointments, creams, syrups, elixirs, decoctions, essential oil, and aqueous solutions are made from flowers. They contain a huge amount of useful substances and chemical elements - for example, carotene, resins, acids, vitamins and much more. With the help of this plant, you can relieve spasm and inflammation, help in disinfecting and healing wounds. Calendula flowers have sedative, diaphoretic, relaxing, expectorant, tonic and analgesic properties. Marigold-based preparations are used in the treatment of skin diseases and problems with the work of many internal organs. Calendula gives high efficiency in complex therapy for tonsillitis, stomatitis, problems with the gums and oral cavity, with poorly healing wounds, bedsores, burns and ulcers. Combined with chamomile and hop cones, it has a positive effect on the scalp, roots and hair condition.
Contraindications
With great popularity and effectiveness in official medicine, calendula also has contraindications. Do not self-medicate, especially during the period of bearing a child and if you have problems with the heart and blood vessels. It is recommended that you seek professional advice from your doctor before using calendula products.
Types and varieties of calendula with photos and names
The most common in the culture are the Field and Pharmacy calendula. Both types have a lot in common, but the Pharmacy or Medicinal calendula is presented in many varieties with simple and double flowers in various shades - yellow, orange, light and dark brown. The best varieties are Juvel, Radio, Emperor, Gold Kugel, Sonnenstein, Kalta, Sakharovskaya orange.
