Modulation of Germination Efficiency and Seedling Growth of Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) Varieties through Different Growing Media

Rapid, uniform germination and vigorous early growth are prerequisites for the successful raising of calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) seedlings. A factorial completely randomised experiment with three replications was conducted to evaluate three varieties (Fiesta Gitana White, Yellow and Orange) and five growing media (soil + sand and cocopeat mixed with vermicompost, vermiculite, perlite or poultry manure), comprising 15 treatment combinations. Eighteen germination, seedling growth and vigour traits, together with the economics of seedling production, were assessed at Sankara, Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India (2025–26). Variety and growing medium significantly affected every trait except the root:shoot ratio. Cocopeat + vermiculite (M3) performed best across the measured traits (germination 95.09%, germination index 22.92, total seedling length 24.39 cm, survivability 95.33%), whereas soil + sand (M1) performed poorest (78.02%, 15.58, 15.72 cm, 78.33%). Fiesta Gitana Yellow (V2) performed best for most traits (germination 90.85%, total length 21.55 cm, survivability 90.40%), whereas Orange (V3) performed poorest (83.57%, 18.37 cm, 84.20%). Yellow grown in cocopeat + vermiculite (T8) showed the highest germination (98.33%), the earliest onset of germination (2.14 days), the longest seedlings (26.33 cm), the highest survivability (98.00%) and the lowest mortality (2.00%), as well as the highest net return (Rs 233.18) and benefit–cost ratio (1.294). Orange in soil + sand (T11) performed poorest (germination 74.33%, survivability 75.00%). Cocopeat + vermiculite (60:40) with Fiesta Gitana Yellow is recommended for pro-tray raising of calendula seedlings.