Calendula Companion Planting: Tips and Tricks for a Flourishing Garden

Are you looking for ways to improve your garden and make it vibrant and healthy? One way to achieve this is through companion planting, which involves planting different species that benefit each other in proximity. Among the many plant options available, calendula is one that can enhance your garden's beauty, health, and biodiversity. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of calendula companion planting and provide some tips and tricks to help you get ed.

Why Calendula?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Southern Europe, but it has been cultivated worldwide for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. Some of the benefits of growing calendula include:

1. Pest control

Calendula contains compounds that repel harmful insects and attract beneficial ones, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects prey on pests like aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects that can damage your crops. By planting calendula near your vegetables, you can create a natural barrier against pests and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

2. Soil improvement

Calendula has deep roots that can break up compacted soil and improve drainage and aeration. It also accumulates nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium in its tissues, which makes it a good candidate for composting and mulching. Additionally, calendula produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of some weed species and reduce competition for resources.

3. Beauty and diversity

Calendula is a beautiful plant with yellow, orange, and red flowers that bloom from spring to fall. It attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that help fertilize your crops and increase yields. Moreover, calendula is compatible with many other plants, including herbs, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals, which can create a diverse and harmonious landscape.

How to Grow Calendula?

Now that you know why calendula is a great companion plant, it's time to learn how to grow it successfully. Here are some tips and tricks to follow:

1. Choosing the right location

Calendula prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It tolerates different pH levels but thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6-7). Avoid planting calendula in wet or soggy areas that can cause root rot and fungal diseases.

2. ing from seed

Calendula is easy to grow from seed, which can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date or indoors four to six weeks before transplanting. The seeds should be planted shallowly (1/4 inch deep) and spaced 6-12 inches apart. Water the soil regularly but avoid overwatering or letting it dry out completely.

3. Caring for the plant

Calendula requires moderate watering, fertilization, and pruning to stay healthy and productive. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid splashing water on the leaves to prevent fungal infections. Fertilize the plant with compost, aged manure, or a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every four to six weeks. Prune the plant regularly to remove dead flowers and promote bushier growth.

4. Harvesting and using

Calendula flowers can be harvested when they are fully open and dry them for later use in teas, salves, creams, and other herbal preparations. The flowers have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties that make them a popular ingredient in natural remedies. Calendula leaves and stems are edible and can be added to salads, soups, and stews for extra flavor and nutrients.

Companion Plants for Calendula

Now that you know how to grow calendula, it's time to discover which plants can benefit from its presence. Here are some examples:

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes and calendula are complementary plants that share similar growing conditions and pests. Calendula repels whiteflies and aphids that can damage tomato foliage and fruit. It also attracts hoverflies that feed on tomato hornworms, a common tomato pest. Plant calendula around your tomato plants, or interplant them in rows or patches.

2. Peppers

Peppers and calendula are also good companions that enhance each other's growth and health. Calendula attracts bees and other pollinators that help pepper plants set fruit. It also repels nematodes and flea beetles that can harm pepper roots and leaves. Plant calendula near your pepper plants, or sprinkle calendula petals around the base of the plants.

3. Beans

Beans and calendula form a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. Calendula attracts predators like spiders and ladybugs that prey on bean pests like aphids, mites, and leafhoppers. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil, which beans need to grow and produce pods. Plant calendula alongside your bean plants, or sow them in a border around the beans.

Challenges and Solutions

While calendula companion planting has many benefits, it also presents some challenges that you should be aware of. Here are some common issues and solutions:

1. Overcrowding

Calendula can grow tall and bushy, and if planted too closely to other plants, it can shade them and inhibit their growth. To prevent overcrowding, space your calendula plants at least 12 inches apart and prune them regularly to remove dead or excess foliage.

2. Self-seeding

Calendula is a prolific self-seeder, which means that it can spread rapidly and invade other areas of your garden. If you don't want your calendula plants to take over, deadhead them regularly to prevent seed production, or harvest the seeds for later use.

3. Disease susceptibility

Calendula is susceptible to some fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and botrytis. To prevent or control these diseases, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and remove infected leaves or plants promptly.

FAQs

1. Can I plant calendula in containers?

Yes, you can plant calendula in containers as long as they are deep enough (at least 8 inches) and have drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix and fertilize the plant regularly. Calendula grown in containers may need more frequent watering than those grown in the ground.

2. Can I eat calendula flowers?

Yes, you can eat calendula flowers, but make sure they are free of pesticides and chemicals. Use the petals in salads, soups, or teas, or dry them for later use. Calendula flowers have a slightly bitter and spicy taste that pairs well with savory dishes.

3. How do I make a calendula salve?

To make a calendula salve, you will need dried calendula flowers, beeswax, and carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil). Infuse the flowers in the oil for several weeks, strain the mixture, and melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Mix the oil and wax together, pour the mixture into containers, and let it cool and solidify.

4. Where can I buy calendula seeds or plants?

You can buy calendula seeds or plants online, at garden centers, or from seed catalogs. Make sure to choose a reputable supplier and select the variety that suits your needs and preferences. Some popular calendula varieties include "Pacific Beauty," "Orange King," and "Lemon Cream."

5. Can I grow calendula year-round?

Calendula is an annual plant that grows during the warm seasons and dies back in the winter. However, in mild climates or under protected conditions, calendula may survive and bloom year-round. To extend the blooming season, deadhead the spent flowers regularly and fertilize the plant every two months.



Calendula companion planting is a rewarding and sustainable way to enhance your garden's health, beauty, and diversity. By planting calendula alongside your favorite herbs, vegetables, or fruits, you can create a natural ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects, repels pests, improves soil quality, and adds color and fragrance to your landscape. With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can become a successful calendula gardener and enjoy the many benefits of this amazing plant.