A Gardener’s Guide to Saving Calendula Seeds

Over the past few years, I have grown calendula (Calendula officinalis) in my garden, exploring its diverse array of varieties. This season, I experimented with a particular cultivar known as ‘Pacific Beauty Mixed Colors’. Among its delightful array of hues, one shade stood out—a captivating, vibrant orange that truly took my breath away. Its beauty was so amazing that I felt compelled to preserve it by saving calendula seeds. Thus, the inspiration for this article was born, driven by the sheer allure of that magnificent flower.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a versatile herb celebrated for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and vibrant blooms. Whether you are drawn to its therapeutic benefits or simply charmed by its cheery flowers, learning to save calendula seeds ensures a bountiful harvest year after year. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to save calendula seeds and cultivate these delightful plants.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

**Seed Saving Tips**

To ensure successful seed saving, start with open pollinated varieties to maintain the desired characteristics. Open-pollinated plants produce offspring like the parent plant. Avoid saving seeds from hybrid plants, as they may not replicate the desired traits in subsequent generations. Seed packets will indicate if a particular variety is a hybrid. Hybrid seeds will either be labeled ‘hybrid’ or have an ‘F1’ designation on the seed packet.

Open-pollinated refers to plants that have been pollinated naturally by wind, insects, birds, or human hands. Hybrid pollination refers to plants pollinated by human intervention. The pollen of two distinct species or varieties is cross-pollinated resulting in a new hybrid variety.

• Seed from open-pollinated plants will remain consistent from year to year and can be saved.
• Seed from hybrid plants is not stable and thus not recommended for saving. While you can save seeds from hybrid plants, the mature plant will revert to one of the initial plants that went into making the hybrid.

When saving calendula seeds, timing is crucial. Monitor the blooms closely, harvest the flower heads as soon as they fade and turn brown. Calendula plants are adept at self-seeding, so gather the flower heads promptly to prevent natural dispersal. Follow these steps:

Step one- **Choosing the right Plant**

Pick the healthiest plant as your seed parent. Observe the plants as they grow during the season and select the best. In addition, consider size, yield, germination, and disease resistance.

Step Two – **Flower Head Harvesting**

Calendula produces ‘dry seed’ that can be found around the center of the flower. The flower head will turn brown, and the seeds will transform from a light green color to deeper green or brown. Light green seeds are immature. Leave the flower head on the plant until the light green seeds turn a deeper green or brown. Be observant, if the flower head is not picked, then the seeds will be disbursed naturally by the wind when the flower breaks open and releases the seeds.

Step three – **Seed Harvesting**

Cut the stems of dry flower heads. Look down at the stem and cut right above a bud. Bring the stems indoors and allow them to dry out for 3-7 days. A cool, dry environment is best.

Once the flower heads are dry, simply run your thumb around the center of the flower head to release the seeds. The seeds are small curls that remind me of a mini worm. Because calendula seeds are so unusual, they are easy to spot.

There will be some flower chaffing that’s also released with the seeds. I like to use a pair of tweezers to separate out the seeds from the chaff.

Step Four – **Seed Drying and Storage**

Properly dried seeds are essential for successful storage and future germination. Seeds should be dried until they are brittle enough to snap or shatter when crushed. Spread seeds in a single layer on a dry surface, such as newspapers, coffee filters, or screens, allowing adequate airflow for thorough drying.

For long-term storage, store dried seeds in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Options include plastic, glassine, or paper bags, plastic containers, or glass jars. I store my seeds in the refrigerator. Ensure seeds are fully dry before storage to prevent mold or moisture damage.

**Growing/Cultivating Calendula**

Whether starting from seeds indoors or directly sowing outdoors, calendula requires minimal care once established. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach 60°F. Space plants 6-18 inches apart in well-drained soil, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight. These cold-tolerant plants prefer cooler temperatures and may cease blooming in extreme heat, so ensure adequate irrigation and protect them from excessive sun exposure. Here are a few characteristics of calendula:

• Grows 20-24 inches in height
• 5-15 days for germination
• Blossoms are edible
• Prefer sun to part shade
• Supply 1-1.5 inches of water per week

Deadheading spent blooms encourages re-blooming throughout the season, prolonging the plant’s flowering period.

Calendula’s versatility extends beyond its ornamental beauty; its petals are edible, adding a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to salads and desserts. Embrace calendula’s culinary and medicinal potential while enjoying its vibrant blooms as a cut flower or border in your garden.

In conclusion…

By following these guidelines for saving calendula seeds and cultivating these charming herbs, you will perpetuate their beauty and benefits in your garden for seasons to come. Whether you are a novice gardener or seasoned enthusiast, the joy of growing and nurturing calendula is a rewarding experience worth savoring.

Additional Information

You may find the following blog posts interesting.

• How to save seeds from Celosia – Pink Flamingo
• The basics: How to save seeds from your garden
• Saving Zinnia Seeds
• Saving Dill Seeds
• The Complete Guide to Starting Seeds Indoors
• How to store and organize a Seed Collection

References

• Utah State University Extension