Calendula (or marigolds) is a cold-resistant, unpretentious, herbaceous plant belonging to the Astrov family.
It is successfully used not only for decorative, but also for medicinal purposes, due to the fact that it contains a whole range of useful substances, including
organic acids, carotene, resins and calenda The calendula medicinal plant can be easily recognized by its specific and slightly pungent odor. It is due to the presence of essential oil.
Calendula: planting and care. Plant Features
Calendula blooms from early spring to the very frosts: it normally tolerates even sub-zero temperatures (up to -5 ° C). This plant has a root root, a simple (or slightly branched) stem, dense foliage, yellow, orange, red or brown inflorescences in the form of baskets and fruits - bent achenes. Calendula looks beautiful in various flower beds, is stored for a long time in a cut and harmoniously combines in bouquets with lilac, blue and white flowers.
Calendula: Planting and Seedling Care
This herbaceous plant loves the sunny side, although it can adapt quite well to partial shade.
Any soil is suitable for him, the main thing is cultivated and drained. There are various options for growing this herbaceous plant: seeds, self-sowing, seedlings. Calendula, used for decorative purposes, is often planted in the latter way. To do this, from the second half of March, seeds are sown in containers with soil, boxes or in a heated greenhouse. In order for plants to develop from them, it is necessary to maintain the temperature within 14-15 ° C. By May, the seedlings should grow up and acquire a few leaves, then it can be safely transplanted into the open ground. Seeds of some cut varieties of calendula are sown in pots or boxes, from the end of January to the beginning of March - this is done for earlier flowering.
Calendula: planting and care. Features of seed cultivation
Planting seeds in open ground can be done in April or May. Sometimes for faster and more active flowering, they are planted at the very end of autumn or at the beginning of winter. Planting material placed in the soil “under the winter” gives strong and stable seedlings. Planting marigold with seeds: 1-2 seeds are placed in shallow grooves every 25 cm to a shallow depth (2-3 cm). The soil is compacted a little above. Calendula seedlings should appear after about 10 days, depending on humidity and temperature. For growth and development, plants need a temperature of at least 14 ° C. The seedlings must be carefully looked after - water in a timely manner, loosen the soil and weed. It is also worthwhile to thin out young plants so that in each "nest" there is one shoot left. And the tops of the calendula need to be pinched so that the bush subsequently becomes more branched. The plant will bloom in about 45 days and will continue to delight you with its bright colors until the frosts. Do not forget that faded heads should be removed. Calendula seeds are harvested in late July (early August), preventing self-sowing.
Calendula: planting and care. The collection of inflorescences for medicinal purposes
For medicinal purposes, calendula inflorescences should be collected several times during the summer period, maintaining a time interval (4-5 days) between collections. Choose well-opened flowers. After collection, the material is well dried and stored in cloth or paper bags in a cool room.