Harvesting Calendula Seeds
Harvesting Calendula Seeds: Tips and Tricks
Calendula is a vibrant and versatile plant that can be grown in your home garden. Not only is it visually appealing with its bright yellow and orange blooms, but it also has healing properties. The plant can be used to make creams, lotions and teas for medicinal purposes. Harvesting calendula seeds can be a fun and fruitful process, but it can also be tricky. In this article, we'll go over some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your calendula seeds.
If you've ever grown calendula, you know that it's a prolific plant that produces an abundance of seeds. However, harvesting the seeds can be a bit of a pain. One issue is that the seeds are small and hard to see, so it can be difficult to know when they're ready to harvest. Additionally, the receptacles of the plant's flowers are covered in small hooks that can catch on clothing and skin, making it challenging to collect the seeds without getting pricked.
So, why bother harvesting calendula seeds? Well, for starters, it's a cost-effective way to grow more plants in the future. By collecting seeds from your existing plants, you can save money on buying new ones. Additionally, growing plants from seed can be an incredibly satisfying experience. There's something special about watching a tiny seed grow into a mature plant.
To harvest calendula seeds, you'll want to start by letting your plants fully mature. The petals will start to wilt, and the receptacles will begin to dry out. You'll know they're ready to harvest when the receptacles turn brown and start to split open. At this point, gently pinch the receptacle stem and pull the seeds out.
Harvesting Calendula Seeds: My Personal Experience
I've been growing calendula in my garden for years, and I love watching the plants grow and flower. However, I've always found harvesting the seeds to be a bit of a hassle. That is until I learned a simple trick: wait until the plant dies back naturally, and the seeds will fall to the ground on their own. Once I started doing this, harvesting calendula seeds became a breeze.
Tips for Harvesting Calendula Seeds
If you don't want to wait for the plant to die back naturally, there are a few tricks you can try to make harvesting calendula seeds easier. One option is to cover the receptacles with a small paper bag or cheesecloth. This will catch the seeds as they fall out of the receptacles and make them easier to collect. Additionally, you can use a small brush to gently remove the seeds from the receptacles without getting pricked by the hooks.
Storing Calendula Seeds
Once you've harvested your calendula seeds, you'll want to store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them. Some people like to keep them in paper envelopes, while others prefer to store them in airtight containers. Whatever method you choose, be sure to label the container with the date and type of seed, so you don't forget what you have.
Using Your Harvested Calendula Seeds
Now that you've harvested your calendula seeds, you're probably wondering what to do with them. The good news is that there are plenty of options. You can use them to grow more calendula plants, or you can save them to use in teas, creams, and other skincare products. Calendula seeds are also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Harvesting Calendula Seeds: FAQs
Q: When is the best time to harvest calendula seeds?
A: The best time to harvest calendula seeds is when the receptacles turn brown and start to split open.
Q: How do I store my harvested calendula seeds?
A: You can store calendula seeds in paper envelopes or airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Q: Can I eat calendula seeds?
A: Yes, calendula seeds are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Q: How can I make harvesting calendula seeds easier?
A: You can cover the receptacles with a small paper bag or cheesecloth or use a small brush to gently remove the seeds from the receptacles.
Conclusion
Harvesting calendula seeds can be a bit of a challenge, but the rewards are worth it. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make the process a little easier and get the most out of your plants. From planting to harvesting, growing calendula can be a fun and fulfilling experience that's sure to brighten up your garden.
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