I feel dumb even asking this, because I know calendulas are supposedly easy to grow, but I always have trouble getting the seed to germinate! I've tried soaking the seeds and pre-sprouting, I've tried soaking the seeds and planting, I've tried planting without soaking. In all cases I get a couple sprouted or up right away (they like to germinate in the dark, so this in itself creates a problem, with some up and others not showing) and then nothing. After a few weeks I get tired of it all and just leave them out in the light with other seedlings. Occasionally a few more will pop up, but generally speaking it's a pretty dismal show.
This happens even when the seeds aren't very old.
So what am I doing wrong? Or not doing, as the case may be.
Growing calendulas
I've only ever started them right in the garden too. I just make a shallow trough with my rake or hoe and then cover them with a light layer of soil. Try and simulate these conditions indoors I guess. Cooler night temps? Not much fussing.
i started calendula for the first time last year from seed and they germinated very well. i did not cover the seed, kept them in the dark and in a cool place (60 degrees or so) 7 days later they were up and growing
Hah, maybe I shouldn't be covering them with soil? Stokes' directions say to germinate them at 75 days, 65 nights but I think I'll try your way.
They reseed for me too.
I the odd tiny volunteer seedling here too, but they don't make it to adulthood before the first frost! Which can be mid August, sob.