Names:

Calendula Officinalis, Pot Marigold

Description:

Calendula is a herbaceous plant and is part of the marigold family. It is considered and annual in most regions and produces a profuse amounts of blooms especially when spent blooms are deadheaded. Blooms give bursts of magnificent yellow and orange colors from mid-spring to early-fall. The showy flowers attract beneficial pollinators to the garden and provide healing properties, its even edible! Native to south central Europe and North Africa, but today Calendula is planted throughout the world. Is usually induced into a carrier oil.

Cultivation:

Sow directly into garden after last frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. When seedlings have grown to about 4 inches tall thin to 12 inches apart. Grows to about 2 feet tall while dwarf varieties grow 6-8 inches tall. Deadheading promotes increased blooms and will bloom early summer to first frost. Does best in cool to warm temperature. If you live in hot climates plant calendula where there can be some shade during the hottest part of the day. Has been known to self-sow and regrow the next year. USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 colder climates is annual

Light requirements:

Full Sun

Soil requirements:

Well draining soil but will tolerate most soil types

Watering:

Moist not wet

Harvest:

Harvest when blooms first open.

Once blooming starts harvesting can be done all season.

Parts Used:

Petals and Flower heads

Herbal Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, detoxifying, antimicrobial, antiviral, relieves muscle spasms, astringent, prevents hemorrhaging, heals wound, antioxidant

Energetics: Warming

Medicinal Uses:

Used internally and externally. Supportive role to heal wounds with tissue regeneration by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the area. Contains salicylates which work as an analgesic to help ease pain of wounds and skin irritation. Calendula soothes itching skin and may improve skin hydration and firmness. Commonly used for wounds, rashes, infections, inflammation, and many other conditions.

Allies:

Grows well with tomatoes, carrots, asparagus, lavender, mums, salvia, and Roses. Though it can be planted with almost anything to improve your garden productivity.

Cautions:

Has been known to cause allergic reactions to those sensitive to daisies and ragweed like species

*Should not be taken internally while pregnant*