How do I pick and dry Calendula flowers or petals for sale?

Pick calendula flowers when they are fully open, usually in the morning, and either keep whole flower heads or separate the petals depending on what your buyer wants. Dry them in shade with good air flow to preserve the bright orange and yellow colour and the active content, avoiding harsh direct sun which fades the colour and drops the grade. Spread thin layers so they dry evenly without mould, then store the dry flowers or petals in clean dry containers away from moisture and light, since light and damp fade and spoil them. Good bright colour, full dryness and cleanliness are your quality targets. Repeated hand picking over the season is the main labour. Confirm with your buyer whether they want whole flowers or petals, and the moisture standard, before processing the whole lot.