Culture guide

Usage

Cut flower, border and mixed container

Sowing method

1-3 seeds per plug

Germination

5-10 days at 70 °F (21 °C), cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing.

Growing on

Transplant plugs after 2-3 weeks. Grow on at 50-55 °F (10-13 °C). Calendulas are cool weather plants that are best produced for spring or early fall sales.

Media

Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 10-30 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, sand, perlite), 1-1,5 kg /m³, complete balanced fertilizer. Iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH 5.8-6.5. Field: humus, loamy soils with good drainage and good nutrition levels, Standard fertilization: 50-80 g/m² slow release fertilizer.

Fertilization

High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 100-200 ppm nitrogen (at 2 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. High nitrogen levels cause delay in flower initiation and smooth stems. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,025%) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply Fe-Chelate for 1-2 times. Field: begin two weeks after transplanting with fertilization (see above).