Anyone ever have a Calendula do this? Once the parent bloom finished, these tiny "bumps" matured into buds, and now blooms. I've never seen one do this, and I've grown them for many years from seed.
Wierd Calendula
Another picture of the same thing:
Side view:
2zeus, those are awesome! Looks like you have Calendula officinalis 'Hens and Chicks', Prolifera. Did you start these from seed yourself?
I don't see it in the PlantFiles, so it would be good to add it in.
Erynne
echoes
Sep 05, 2006
Very diffenrent. Wonder what makes it do that.
Erynne, I've been saving Calendula seed every year since I first started growing them -10/11 years, maybe? My DH was wondering if this was a throwback - that over the years, they'd reverted to the original strain.
Is that possible, do you think? They sure are wierd, like a child's model of the planets around the sun.
Would either of you like some seed from them? I'll have lots.
Cheryl
echoes
Sep 05, 2006
Thanks, but not for me Cheryl. They are really neat, but I just won't have room for many annuals. I'm sure there will be plenty of request for them if you are offering.
Brenda
Lol, they do look planetary!
So you started out with a Calendula a decade ago, saved the seeds, grew them and kept up that cycle ever since (no seeds from other sources)? Did you end up with more than one plant like this?
It's an oddity for sure and it would be great to have it explained how this happens. I came across this thread from the International seed-trading forum:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/536732/
Maybe one of those knowledgeable folks would share some insight. It looks like they've started some from seed.
I guess this is a case of "expect the unexpected"!
Erynne
Just went out and checked, out of all the Calendula plants in the front garden, 3 are like this.
You described exactly what I've done, saved my own seed each year, for approximately a decade now. And this is my first year with this - I like them.
Cheryl, since you've been growing them for so long, have you ever used your Calendula for anything other than the "pretty factor" in the garden? (ie..used them in food dishes or salads).
Tks,
Erynne
No, I haven't tried any of the edible flowers - almost ate a Nasturtium once, but balked at the last minute...
C.
lovely 2zeus
mine have not turned out like yours
but both are nice to eat..
2zeus - I've not eaten the Calendulas, but do eat Nasturtiuims in salads quite regularly. They have a nice peppery taste. Also look really pretty to decorate a potato salad,
Ann