Calendula is a plant that brings color and vitality to the gardens, while offering incredible benefits for skin care. Find out when and how to sow calendula to obtain luxuriant plants, perfect both to decorate the garden and for use in natural cosmetics prepared.
The calendula belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for his bright petalsranging from intense yellow to brilliant orange. This flower is not only a decorative element, but is also employed in the realization of oils, creams and ointments thanks to its properties soothing and regenerating for the skin.
Cultivating it is within everyone’s reach: it is a resistant plant, capable of adapting to different types of soil and requesting minimal care. Its prolonged flowering guarantees a constant touch of color and attracts pollinating insectssuch as bees and butterflies, which contribute to the health of the garden. If you want a green corner full of life and natural charm, calendula is the perfect choice for you.
How to grow calendula, the versatile flower that illuminates the garden
Suitable for different types of soil, the calendula It grows better in well -drained soils. A regular fertilizer intake every 4-6 weeks helps to keep it healthy and vigorous. To encourage continuous flowering, it is advisable Remove dried flowers (Deadheading). The irrigation must be regular, especially in the hottest periods, avoiding stagnation of water that could cause radical rot. If planted in pots, make sure they have a good drainage to avoid excesses of humidity.
Despite being resistant, it can be attacked by aphids or mitesresolvable with natural methods such as garlic infusions or diluted Marseille soap. At the end of the season, collect i semi It will allow you to reproduce plants the following year, ensuring constant flowering year after year.
Where and when to plant the calendula
The calendula prefers sunny places with at least 6 hours of direct light per day. In very hot areas, it is possible to grow it in an area with partial shadow during the most torrid hours. The ground must remain humid but without stagnation, to ensure healthy and robust growth.
The ideal time to sow calendula depends on the climate of your area. You can choose to plant it in primaverawhen the risk of frost has passed, or in fallin areas with mild climate. The best months for sowing are March-April For a summer flowering e September-October to get flowers already in spring.
To obtain prolonged flowering, you can sow calendula at a few weeks intervals, so as to have new flowers throughout the season. If you live in an area with rigid winters, you can start it in the seedbed and transplant it outdoors when the climate stabilizes.
How to prune calendula to keep it healthy
Pruning is a simple but fundamental operation to guarantee calendula a balanced growth and constant flowering. Although it does not require intense pruning, some precautions improve growth and flowering:
- Eliminates dried flowers: helps to stimulate the production of new buds and prolong flowering.
- Regulate growth: if the plant becomes too high or disordered, you can Cut the longer branches to give it a more compact form.
- Make an autumn pruning: At the end of the season, reduce the excess foliage to prepare the plant for the growth of the following year.
- Clean the plant regularly: By removing the dry leaves and damaged flowers, you will help prevent fungal diseases and keep the plant healthy.
Always use well sharpened and clean scissors to avoid infections or damage. Even if the calendula is robust, these small gestures will help keep it in splendid shape.
A touch of nature for each season
In addition to its aesthetic value and the benefits for the skin, the calendula It is an edible plant. Its petals can enrich salads, herbal teas and risottogiving a slightly spicy flavor. In addition, it is ideal for the rotation of cropsimproving the soil and removing harmful parasites.
This plant not only adds a touch of color to the garden, but also represents a natural solution to encourage biodiversity. If you want a healthier and more sustainable garden, calendula is an excellent choice. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy its beauty and benefits for many seasons to come. Cultivating calendula also means having a natural remedy for small skin disorders, thanks to its soothing and anti -inflammatory properties. In fact, it is often used in decoctions, oils and ointments to treat redness, burns and irritations.
If you want to experience something new, you can try to make an infused oil at calendula. Just leave the flowers soaking in olive oil or almonds for a few weeks, thus obtaining a perfect ingredient for skin care.
Thanks to its versatility, resistance and beauty, calendula is a plant that cannot be missing in your garden.
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