Growing calendula in the fall

"Hi, Jim,

Thanks for sharing the information about calendulas.

Calendula plants taught me a valuable lesson.

Years ago I planted my Calendula seed in late summer. I just never got around to in spring and I missed them, so I thought why not. The great thing about seeds is they cost so little to play with.

What I got was the best crop of Calendulas I ever grew. They liked the cool autumn weather (in California) but best of all most of the pests, especially the Colorado Potato Beatle, did not present the problem they normally do when we plant in the spring. I have since observed that planting at off times (instead of rushing to be the first one on the block) actually makes life easier.

I love gardening because it teaches me something new every time I attempt to do it!"

Take care,

VJ Billings, Mountain Valley Growers, Inc.
The Nation's largest supplier of USDA Certified Organic Herb and Perennial Plants http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com

Thanks VJ!
I had a similar experience. My spring crop of calendula was a total bust. I had seed left over and in late August, dumped the seed into a bare spot in my Edible Flowers bed. They grew quickly and I had the best calendulas ever, right up until frost. Normally blister beetles attack them in early summer, green worms eat the buds before they can open. But in late summer, those pests have all gone on to their next life. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Jim