Calendula heals wounds and repels pests, but its proximity to parsley is comparable to a time bomb.
In 2023, the journal Organic Farming published data: calendula roots secrete coumarins that block the growth of parsley by 70%.
The famous herbalist Andrey Zalomlenkov writes in his book “Apteka u Doma”:
"Parsley next to calendula is like a child in a radiation zone."
Olga from Omsk shared on Instagram: her parsley, planted next to calendula, grew bitter and tough.
“The lab confirmed that furocoumarins from the roots of the flowers were to blame,” she wrote.
Scientists from the Timiryazev Academy explain: these substances disrupt the photosynthesis of greenery. But there are also positive alliances. Calendula next to cucumbers increases the harvest by 15%, repelling spider mites.
The experiment of the channel "Gryadka-modnitsa" proved this: in the area with calendula, cucumbers bore fruit until the frost. But calendula is categorically incompatible with parsley.
British gardener Charles Dowding advises:
"Separate them with a raised bed or slate."
The Japanese have found another solution: plant parsley in hanging pots so that the roots do not touch. Another secret from German farmers: sow calendula after harvesting parsley.
Its roots will cleanse the soil of pathogens without harming the greenery. But if the mistake has already been made, water the bed with nettle infusion - it will neutralize coumarins.
And remember: calendula of the Pink Surprise variety is less aggressive than orange varieties. Review from the forum "Greenery all year round" :
“I removed the calendula and the parsley sprouted in 5 days!”
