If you’re a gardening enthusiast who loves the vibrant beauty of calendula flowers, you might be interested in saving their seeds for future planting. Not only is this a cost-effective way to grow more calendula plants, but it also allows you to preserve specific varieties that you adore. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of saving calendula seeds, ensuring you have a bountiful supply for your garden.
Isolating Calendula Plants (Optional)
To maintain the purity of a specific calendula variety, you may consider isolating your plants. This prevents cross-pollination between different types of calendula, ensuring you obtain seeds of the desired variety. For home gardeners, it is generally recommended to maintain a distance of at least 660 feet, or 1/8th of a mile, between different varieties. However, if you find the idea of cross-pollination intriguing or inconsequential, feel free to grow multiple varieties within range of each other.
Image: Beautiful calendula flowers
How to Tell When to Harvest Calendula Seeds
To harvest calendula seeds, it’s crucial to wait until the flowers have completed their blooming cycle. Observe the flowers as they progress from buds to fully opened heads. During their bloom, insects will visit the flowers, pollinating them. Once the petals begin to fade and drop, you’ll notice a green, roundish “knob” remaining on the stalk. This is the seed head, but it’s not yet ready for harvest.
Image: Calendula seed head
Leave the seed heads on the plant until they turn brown or tan in color. They will also become dry and appear lifeless. This is the stage when the seeds are mature and ready for collection. You may find some seeds naturally falling onto the ground, signaling that they are fully ripe and ready to gather.
Collecting Calendula Seeds
Once the seed heads have dried and become brown, it’s time to gather the seeds. Carefully pluck the seed heads from the plant, ensuring not to damage them. You can gently crush the seed heads to release the seeds if necessary. The seeds should be dry and brittle. If they still feel moist, allow them to dry further in a cool and well-ventilated area for a few more days.
Image: Harvested calendula seeds
Storing Calendula Seeds
Proper storage is essential to maintain the seed’s viability for future planting. Place the dried calendula seeds in an airtight container, such as a small glass jar or a Ziploc bag. Label the container with the variety and date of collection to keep track of your seeds. Store the container in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a pantry or refrigerator. When stored correctly, calendula seeds can remain viable for up to five years.
Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting and storing your own calendula seeds, as you nurture and expand your garden with these beautiful flowers. Remember, experimenting with different cross-pollination methods can also lead to exciting results. Happy gardening!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educational purposes and does not substitute professional gardening advice. Always consult with a horticulturist or expert for specific guidance.
