Calendula is also called ‘Marigold’ and is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is found in the areas from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran.

 

It is a cool season annual with pale-green leaves and golden orange, gold, red and yellow flowers. Calendula grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches.

 

Calendula blooms quickly and thrives in almost any soil. The best flowering season for the plant is summer to fall. It requires sun to partial shade. Calendula require no other cultivation but to keep them clean from weeds and to thin out where too close, leaving them 9 to 10 inches apart, so that their branches may have room to spread.

 

The plants will begin to flower in June, and continue flowering until the frost kills them. It has a low drought tolerance.

 

These plants are excellent for flower bed plantings and also grow quite well in containers. The unusual curlicue seedpods easily reseed themselves. Calendulas make good long lasting cut flowers as well. Calendulas should be grown in full sun and in moderately fertile soil.

 

Calendula has been cultivated in the kitchen garden for the flowers, which are dried for broth, and said to comfort the heart and spirits. The flower petals of the calendula plant have been used for medicinal purposes. Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals.

 

Researchers are not sure what active ingredients in calendula are responsible for its healing properties. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.

 

 Did you know?

 

• The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year.
• A Marigold flower, rubbed on the affected part, is an admirable remedy for the pain and swelling caused by the sting of a wasp or bee.
• A hair rinse with Calendula reduces dandruff.