Calendula Officinalis: Overview, Uses, and Growing Instructions
Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis
Common Names: Pot Marigold, Common Marigold, English Marigold
Description
Calendula officinalis, commonly known as Pot Marigold, is an herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It features bright, daisy-like flowers with vibrant yellow to deep orange petals. The plant typically grows to about 12 to 24 inches in height with a similar spread, producing aromatic, lance-shaped leaves that are slightly hairy. Calendula blooms profusely from early summer until the first frost, making it a popular ornamental plant.
Uses
Medicinal: Calendula is renowned for its healing properties. The petals contain anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial compounds, making it useful in treating minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations. Calendula oil or ointments are widely used in natural skincare for their soothing effects.
Culinary: The petals are edible and can be used to add color and a mild peppery flavor to salads, soups, stews, and rice dishes. They are often referred to as "poor man's saffron" for their use as a coloring agent.
Cosmetic: Calendula is used in various cosmetic products, including creams, lotions, and soaps, due to its skin-soothing properties.
Gardening: The plant attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, and its scent may repel certain pests, making it an excellent companion plant in vegetable gardens.
Growing Instructions
1. Climate and Soil Requirements:
Calendula prefers a sunny location but can tolerate partial shade.
It thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
The plant is quite hardy and can tolerate light frost, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
2. Planting:
Seeds: Calendula can be grown from seeds, which are best sown directly outdoors after the last frost. You can also start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Spacing: Space seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
3. Watering:
Water calendula regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
4. Fertilization:
Calendula is not a heavy feeder. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied at the time of planting is usually sufficient. Over-fertilizing can result in lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
5. Maintenance:
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Pests/Diseases: Calendula is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract aphids or powdery mildew. Good air circulation and proper watering practices can minimize these issues.
6. Harvesting:
Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has dried. Flowers can be used fresh or dried for later use in teas, tinctures, and salves.
7. Propagation:
Calendula self-seeds readily, which means it can come back the following year without much effort.
Companion Planting
Calendula can be planted near tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. Its bright flowers also attract pollinators and other beneficial insects that can help keep your garden healthy.