| Every winter the calendulas mildew, become stunted and end up looking terrible. They do not set seed and shortly die. What to do about mildew problems on them without resorting to harmful fungicides? |
| Calendula's are annual plants, even in sunny California. Annual means that they will grow and bloom in one season, and then die. They need full sunshine and will adapt to most any type of soil, as long as you keep them watered well while they're growing. Mildew is a sign that the plant has lived its life and is ready to die. Remove wilted plants and put new plants in their place. If you plant in late summer, they will bloom during the fall and early winter months. If you plant them in spring, they'll bloom all summer. Calendulas should set seed if the flowers are pollinated by insects. If yours have been blooming in the cold, wet months when there's little insect activity, the flowers have probably not been pollinated and won't set seed. If you grow them in the spring and summer, they will set seed, which you can plant for fall and winter color in your garden. Enjoy! |
