The Effect of Different Varieties and Planting Times on the Yield and Quality of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) Flowers and Seeds in Çukurova Conditions

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different varieties (Pot Marigold and Orange King) and planting times (March 15, April 1 and April 15) on the yield and quality of flowers and seeds of Calendula (Calen-dula officinalis) plant in the 2020-2021 growing seasons in Çukurova conditions. The experiment was set up in a split plot randomized complete block design with 3 replications. According to the data, the highest dry flower yield (360.63 kg/ha, March 15, 2021) was obtained from Pot Marigold variety, the highest fresh flower yield (1308.67 kg/da, March 15, 2020), flower essential oil (0.05 %, 15 March 2021) was obtained from Orange King variety. Highest seed yield 35.6 kg/da from balloon smooth shaped, highest seed fixed oil 15.39 % from balloon smooth shaped, was obtained. The maincomponent in flower essential oil was α-cadinol and in seed oil it as identified as calendic acid (α+β). Both varieties exhibit similar trends in terms of essential oils for use in commercial medicinal and food industries, while the Pot Marigold variety stands out in terms of dry flower yield, seed yield, and seed oil.