Calendula officinalis
History |
| Sometimes known as Pot Marigold.
From the Greek Kalends meaning the first day of the month. If stung by a bee or wasp a flowerhead crushed and rubbed in is said to provide relief. A calendula leaf wrapped around a cut will stop bleeding. The yellow or orange flowers were used to colour butter or cheese Flowers are edible and will add colour to salads A lot of calendula sold as bedding plants are hybrids. Not to be confused with Marigolds which belong to a different Genus. Tagetes patula – French marigolds are a good companion plant. Roots release odours and secretions that destroy root eating nematodes. Tagetes lucida – Spanish tarragon has tiny yellow flowers and tastes like aniseed Tagetes lemmonii – Mexican marigold – if fed to chickens will give eggs a deep yellow colour. Citrus fragrance. Place sprigs in water for a refreshing drink. Grows to 1-2 m tall. |
Growing |
| Calendula grow easily from seed sown from early spring. They will self seed easily once established and are a great cheer of colour often when little else is flowering. Self sown seedlings can easily be moved if required. |
Maintenance |
| Will thrive in any warm sunny spot with little care. |
Uses |
| Calendula has antibacterial and anti-inflamatory properties and forms the basis of many natural creams and herbal remedies. The flower petals are sometimes used as a substitute for saffron.
Petals are a great addition to your summer salads. |
