Calendula

Common Names:

Calendula, Pot Marigold, Common Marigold

Quick Glance:

• Common Use: Versatile plant used as an ornamental, medicinal herb, and edible flower.

• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, bushy annual or short-lived perennial; blooms continuously throughout the season.

• Plant Size: Typically grows 12–24 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide.

• Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Key Feature: Cheerful daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, apricot, and cream.

  
  

ID:

Scientific Name: Calendula officinalis

Family: Asteraceae

Varieties:

1. Calendula officinalis ‘Alpha’: Produces large, bright orange flowers with dense petals. Known for its high resin content, making it a preferred choice for medicinal and skincare uses.

2. Calendula officinalis ‘Pacific Apricot Beauty’: A striking variety with soft apricot-pink blooms that fade toward a creamy center. Perfect for ornamental displays and edible use.

3. Calendula officinalis ‘Orange Button’: Features compact plants with small, deep orange flowers. Ideal for borders, pots, and edible garnishes.

4. Calendula officinalis ‘Ivory Princess’: A unique variety with creamy white flowers and a golden center. It stands out in flower beds and adds elegance to floral arrangements.

5. Calendula officinalis ‘Orange Flash’: Displays vivid orange petals with a slightly darker, red-tinged underside, creating a dramatic bicolor effect. Excellent for cutting gardens.

6. Calendula officinalis ‘Flashback’: Known for its nostalgic charm, this mix features bicolor flowers with shades of cream, orange, and yellow, often with darker backs of petals.

   
   

Physical Description:

Calendula is a hardy annual or short-lived perennial with upright, branching stems. The plant is adorned with daisy-like flowers in various shades of yellow, orange, apricot, and cream. The foliage is bright green, slightly sticky, and has a faint herbal aroma. Calendula blooms profusely from early summer to frost, with flowers sitting atop sturdy stems.

Plant Size:

• Height: 12–24 inches.

• Width: 12–18 inches.

Light Requirement:

Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, particularly in hot climates.

How to Grow:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0).

• Transplanting: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 sets of true leaves, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, calendula is relatively drought-tolerant.

• Fertilizing: Calendula is low-maintenance and does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting is sufficient.

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

Container Growing:

• Container Size: Use a pot at least 10–12 inches deep with good drainage.

• Soil: Fill with a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost.

• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist.

• Placement: Position the container in a sunny spot.

Pest Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

• Solutions: Spray pests off with water or apply insecticidal soap. Calendula is also an excellent trap crop for aphids, protecting nearby plants.

• Diseases: Calendula is generally resistant to diseases but may develop powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Spreading Habit:

• Spreading: Calendula self-seeds readily if flowers are left to mature.

• How to Handle: Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding or deadhead flowers to control self-seeding.

Companion Planting:

Calendula is an excellent companion plant for vegetables and flowers:

• Tomatoes and Peppers: Attracts beneficial insects that prey on aphids and whiteflies.

• Carrots and Radishes: Enhances pest control and overall garden diversity.

• Herbs and Lavender: Adds visual interest and draws pollinators to the garden.

How to Use:

• Culinary: Calendula petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads, soups, or rice dishes, or dried to add color to teas and baked goods.

• Medicinal: Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Calendula flowers are often made into salves, teas, or infused oils for skincare and minor wounds.

• Ornamental: Bright, cheerful blooms make calendula a popular choice for flower beds, borders, and container gardens.

• Pollinator-Friendly: Calendula flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.

Recipe Ideas:

1. Calendula Petal Salad:

   • Ingredients: Fresh calendula petals, mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

   • Instructions: Toss mixed greens with calendula petals and vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.

2. Calendula-Infused Oil:

   • Ingredients: Dried calendula petals, olive oil, and a glass jar.

   • Instructions: Fill a jar with dried petals and cover with olive oil. Let it infuse in a sunny spot for 2–4 weeks, then strain. Use for skin care or cooking.

3. Calendula Tea:

   • Ingredients: Dried calendula petals, hot water, and honey.

   • Instructions: Steep petals in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.