The C. officinalis plant has beautiful blossoms that look similar to true marigold flowers from the Tagetes genus. The French marigold (T. patula) and Mexican marigold (T. erecta) are both included in this genus. Despite being called “pot marigold,” C. officinalis is not a genuine marigold. It’s an annual herb that can reach a height of 24 inches, depending on the type, and it produces bright orange, yellow, or peachy-pink flowers that bloom from early summer to fall.
Pot marigolds are a delightful addition to any garden with their vibrantly colored blooms that add a splash of brightness to borders and containers. These flowers can also be used to create stunning cut flower arrangements or bouquets, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. Pot marigold is an easy-to-grow plant that is suitable for gardeners across USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11. Moreover, their attractive blooms provide a feast for bees and other beneficial insects, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
Pot marigold, also known as C. officinalis, is native to the Mediterranean region, parts of the Middle East, and North Africa.
During the medieval era in Europe, calendula was commonly referred to as “poor man’s saffron,” due to its properties of adding both flavor and color to soups and stews. It was also blended into soothing salves and restorative elixirs. Calendula made its way to the United States during the 1600s when European settlers arrived. Interestingly, during the civil war, dried calendula flowers were carried by many doctors to aid in stopping bleeding and help heal wounds. This plant is highly respected as a beneficial botanical for its culinary and medicinal uses. It’s worth noting that C. officinalis is on the FDA List of Substances Generally Recognized as Safe. Scientists from all over the world have conducted extensive studies describing calendula as “bioactive and free radical scavenging”, as well as “protective and cytotoxic.”
Calendula flowers are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory triterpenes and antioxidant flavonoids, which are commonly used in herbal medicine. They can be easily infused in oil or creams to create a topical application that can help alleviate a variety of skin complaints, including wounds, burns, acne, and diaper rash. Additionally, the flowers are known for their immune-boosting properties and are often consumed as a tea to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Calendula flowers have a slightly tangy and peppery taste that can be used to add flavor to soups, stews, and salads. Moreover, the plant’s vibrant orange pigment can be utilized to dye fabric. If you’re looking for a visually stunning flower that blooms from spring until fall, Calendula is an excellent choice for your garden.
C. officinalis is a low-maintenance plant that can be easily grown from seeds or purchased as nursery starts from your local garden center. For a head start, you can sow pot marigold directly in the garden after the last frost in spring. Folks living in Zones 7 to 11 can also sow seeds in the fall.
To prepare the soil, clear away any debris and add a fresh compost layer before broadcasting seeds or planting them in rows about six inches apart. Cover the seeds with a quarter to half an inch of soil, gently tamp down, and water thoroughly. Seedlings should appear within a week. You can thin them out when they have at least one or two sets of true leaves.
Personally, I like to start my C. officinalis indoors in late March for Zone 5. You can begin sowing seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost in well-draining potting soil, preferably in seed trays or small containers. Keep the soil moist but not overwatered until the seeds germinate.
When the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have grown at least two sets of true leaves, harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over a week. After hardening off, transplant the seedlings or nursery starts outdoors. Make sure to place them six to 12 inches apart in a garden bed amended with compost and keep them weed-free and moist until they are established.
Calendula prefers filtered sun or partial shade and cooler temperatures. If you live in a warmer area, ensure that you plant it in a location where it will receive some shade during the hottest part of the day or grow it in pots that you can move around.
Plants have a preference for soil that is rich in organic matter, although they are not too picky when it comes to soil types as long as it is well-draining. When watering your plants, make sure to maintain even moisture levels, but avoid overwatering as they do not appreciate having their feet soaked. If your area tends to get hot, you may want to add a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help keep the soil cool and retain moisture. As your plants mature, it’s a good idea to pinch back any leggy stems to encourage a fuller growth habit. Additionally, removing spent blossoms will keep your plant looking vibrant throughout its growing season.
Pot marigold is an annual plant that has the ability to self-sow easily. If you live in a climate that is favorable and you don’t remove the spent blossoms, the plant may reappear every year and behave like a perennial. To promote self-sowing, it is best to sporadically remove spent blossoms or not remove them at all to allow the seeds to scatter naturally. If you want to grow your C. officinalis in a container, choose a container that is at least six inches deep with drainage holes. Ensure that there is a gap of six inches between each plant or use multiple pots if you are growing more than one. When planting, use good quality, well-draining potting soil as containers dry out faster than garden soil. The plant grows well in organically-rich, well-draining soil and filtered sun or part shade. Deadheading blooms can help encourage continual flowering. Additionally, there are numerous cultivars of pot marigold with different features such as double petals and unique colors.
If you would like to purchase seeds for the species plant, find packets of 25 seeds available at Earthbeat Seeds.
This popular heirloom cultivar boasts vibrant orange, double blooms up to three inches across.
Have you ever heard of ‘Ball’s Improved Orange’? It’s a type of plant that can add a pop of color to your garden with its bright orange blooms. At maturity, they only reach about one to two feet tall, making them perfect for borders or cut flower arrangements. You can easily get your hands on this plant by purchasing seed packets from Eden Brothers. This particular variety blooms early and produces stunning double-petaled flowers that resemble pompoms. Give your garden a vibrant touch with ‘Ball’s Improved Orange’!
Looking for a colorful addition to your garden? Look no further than the ‘Bon Bon’ flower! Whether you prefer orange, yellow, or a mix of colors, this dwarf variety is perfect for both containers and garden beds, thanks to its mature height of just 12 inches. You can purchase ‘Bon Bon’ seeds from True Leaf Market. Another great option is the ‘Pink Sunrise’ cultivar, which boasts two to three-inch double-petalled blooms and grows to a mature height of nine to 12 inches tall. Add some color to your outdoor space with these stunning flowers!
Looking for a beautiful addition to your garden? Consider the ‘Pink Sunrise’ pot marigold! These stunning peachy-pink blooms with deep orange undersides are perfect for cut flower arrangements and bouquets. Not only are they lovely to look at, but they also attract beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which can help deter pests from other plants. However, you may still encounter some common garden pests such as aphids, slugs, and whiteflies. To combat these, try using a strong blast of water from a hose or neem oil. Additionally, be aware of potential diseases such as aster yellows and fungal infections like powdery mildew. By maintaining proper spacing between plants and removing debris at the end of the growing season, you can help reduce the risk of fungal spores overwintering in dead plant matter. Overall, pot marigolds are easy to care for and make a great addition to any garden! Don’t forget to harvest the flowers continually throughout the season for a variety of uses, such as herbal preparations, tea, or garnish. You can purchase seeds for ‘Pink Sunrise’ pot marigolds from Eden Brothers.
During mid-morning or early afternoon, when the dew has evaporated and flowers have bloomed completely, it’s best to harvest the flower heads by either cutting or plucking them. In case you don’t intend to use them right away, the petals can be separated individually, dried thoroughly, and kept in an airtight container at a dry location. To dry the petals, spread them out on a mesh screen and place them in a dark, dry spot for a few days. Remember that improperly stored flowers may get moldy or bleached. Thus, it’s essential to closely examine the petals for any signs of mold that develop due to moisture buildup and discard them if affected before using.
One way to preserve your flower petals is by infusing them in oil. If you have calendula flowers, chop them up and place them in a jar with olive oil or any carrier oil of your choice. Ensure that the flowers are fully submerged in the oil. Cover the jar with a lid and store it in a dark pantry for four to six weeks, shaking it daily. After this time, strain out the flowers and use the infused oil in cooking, as a massage oil, or in recipes for herbal salves and creams. For more information on making and using calendula oil, refer to our guide. Additionally, you can add raw or cooked flower petals to your meals to enhance their color and flavor.
Calendula flowers can be used as a topping for salads, drinks, and poultry dishes. They can also be added to wraps, quiches, soups, and stews. Calendula tea is a warming beverage that can help alleviate the symptoms of colds, sore throats, and infections. For extra immune support, mix it with other herbs like echinacea. To make calendula flower tea, steep three to six grams of fresh or dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes and strain. Check out our guide for more ideas on how to use calendula flowers. This vigorous annual plant blooms continuously from summer to fall and has orange and yellow flowers that add great curb appeal. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region, north Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It requires moderate maintenance, can tolerate poor to average soil and light frost, and attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps. It can grow up to 24 inches in height and has a spread of 12 inches. It is mainly used for cut flowers, cooking, herbal remedies, and tea.
As you prepare to design your garden, draw inspiration from your art class and remember the color wheel. Contrasting colors can create a breathtaking visual, so why not try pairing cobalt blue planters with pot marigolds? You’ll be surprised by the stunning result! If you’re already cultivating calendula in your garden, please share your tips and tricks in the comments section, and don’t hesitate to upload a picture for us to admire!
