The experiment was carried out using vigorous plants placed in individual vases to study the maturation process of calendula seeds. When 50% of the florets in were anthesis, the flowers were selected. The seeds were harvested at six times after the anthesis: 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 40 days after the anthesis (DAA). At each harvest, the seeds, due to their disuniformity, were separated in larger (equal or longer or wider than 9,0 mm and 2,5 mm) and smaller, as well as for coloring: green, pale green, cream, paler brown and dark brown. The determinations were: moisture content, seed dry matter weight, germination test, first account of the germination and primary root emission. It was observed that the largest accumulation of dry matter occurred in the period between 28 and 32 DAA when there were still seeds with pale green coloration, but the germination and vigor (first account of the germination and emission of primary root) were superior to 36 DAA, and there was no difference between larger and smaller seeds and they presented cream, pale brown and dark brown colorings. Although there was no coincidence in time among dry matter accumulation, germination and vigor, it is possible to consider that the point of physiological maturity happened between 28 and 32 DAA with moisture content of 36%. Harvesting is suggested at 36 DAA with moisture content aT 20%, before fruit dehiscence of the fruits.
Calendula officinalis L.; maturity; harvest
