potted_plant
Calendula care requirements
water
Water moderately; drought-tolerant once established. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
soil
Tolerates poor to average soil; well-draining loamy or sandy soil preferred. pH 6.0–8.0. Does not require rich soil.
light
Full sun (6–8 hours daily) promotes best flowering; tolerates light afternoon shade.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Calendula
- fiber_manual_recordFuzzy grey-brown mould on flowers, leaves, or stems
- fiber_manual_recordWater-soaked spots that turn brown and mushy
- fiber_manual_recordBlighted flower buds that fail to open
help
Common causes in Calendula
Caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea (grey mould), which thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, often spreading rapidly on damaged or ageing plant tissue.
healing
How to treat botrytis blight in Calendula
Remove and destroy all affected plant material immediately, improve airflow around the plant, and apply a fungicide labelled for Botrytis if the infection is spreading.
shield
Preventing botrytis blight in Calendula
Avoid overhead watering and overcrowding, water at soil level, deadhead spent flowers promptly, and ensure good ventilation, especially in humid weather.