Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant and versatile flowering plant that flourishes in home gardens across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington State. Known for its stunning orange and yellow blooms, calendula not only adds beauty to gardens but also offers a variety of culinary and medicinal uses. Growing calendula in Washington can be a rewarding experience, especially with the state’s diverse climate and soil conditions. This article will guide you through the essentials of growing calendula in Washington.
Before diving into the specifics of growing calendula, it’s essential to understand what this plant is and why it has become a favorite among gardeners. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an annual flower that thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for spring and autumn blooms. It grows to about 1-2 feet tall and produces bright flowers that can attract beneficial insects while deterring pests.
Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers draw bees and other pollinators to your garden, benefiting nearby plants.
Edible Flowers: The petals of calendula are edible and can be used in salads, teas, or as natural colorants in dishes.
Medicinal Uses: Calendula has been utilized for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in salves, oils, and tinctures.
Companion Planting: It acts as a natural pest deterrent when planted alongside vegetables.
When growing calendula in Washington, selecting the right variety can enhance your gardening experience. Some popular varieties include:
Calendula officinalis ‘Orange King’: Known for its large blooms and vibrant orange color.
Calendula officinalis ‘Lemon Drop’: Features lighter yellow flowers that add a soft touch to gardens.
Calendula officinalis ‘Resina’: A variety known not only for its beauty but also for its high resin content, which is beneficial for medicinal purposes.
Choose a variety based on your desired aesthetic and intended use.
Washington has a temperate climate with wet winters and dry summers. Calendula thrives best in moderate temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). It is a frost-tolerant plant that can withstand light frosts, making it suitable for early spring sowing or late fall planting.
Calendula prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Here are some tips for preparing your soil:
pH Level: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Organic Matter: Enrich your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility.
Drainage: Ensure proper drainage by adding sand or perlite if you have heavy clay soil.
Calendula thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ideally, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
In Washington, the best times to sow calendula seeds are:
Spring Planting: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date (typically around mid-April).
Fall Planting: You can also sow seeds in late summer to early fall (August to September) for late-season blooms.
You can start calendula seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly into the garden bed:
Direct Seeding: Sow ¼ inch deep in rows spaced about 12 inches apart.
Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors once they have developed two sets of true leaves and after hardening them off.
Once your calendulas are sown, proper care will ensure robust growth and vibrant blooms.
Calendulas prefer consistently moist soil but do not like soggy conditions. Water them regularly during dry spells, aiming for about one inch of water per week. Consider using mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
While calendulas are not heavy feeders, applying a balanced fertilizer once during the growing season can promote healthy growth. Organic options like fish emulsion or compost tea work well without over-fertilizing.
To encourage prolonged blooming, regularly deadhead spent flowers—this helps redirect energy towards new growth rather than seed production. Additionally, you can prune back leggy plants to maintain a bushier appearance.
Calendulas are relatively pest-resistant; however, they may attract aphids or spider mites at times. Here are some organic methods to manage pests:
Neem Oil: Use diluted neem oil spray as a natural pesticide.
Beneficial Insects: Introduce ladybugs or lacewings to help keep pest populations under control.
If you’re interested in utilizing calendula for culinary or medicinal purposes, harvesting is crucial.
Flowers should be harvested when they are fully open but before they start to fade in color. This usually occurs late morning when dew has dried off the petals.
To harvest:
If you plan to dry your calendula flowers:
Even though calendulas are hardy plants, growers may face certain challenges:
Fungal Diseases: Overwatering can lead to diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid wetting foliage during watering.
Bolting: In extreme heat, calendulas may bolt (go to seed prematurely). If this happens, consider providing shade during hot spells or planting varieties better suited for warmer temperatures.
Growing calendulas in Washington is an enjoyable project that yields not only beautiful flowers but also culinary and medicinal benefits. By understanding their ideal growing conditions—such as climate preferences, soil requirements, watering needs, and pest management—you can create an environment where these stunning plants thrive. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home garden or incorporate this versatile plant into your diet or natural remedies, calendulas promise vibrant rewards throughout their growing season!