Calendula , ordinarily have it off as pot marigold , belong to to the genus Calendula within the Asteraceae family , which includes daisies and sunflowers . The most widely crop specie is Calendula officinalis , an annual or dead - lived perennial . The genus comprises about 15–20 species of herbaceous plants , with C. officinalis being the primary species used in gardening and herbalism . The name Calendula derives from the Latin calendae , have in mind “ little calendar ” or “ first day of the month , ” possibly touch on to its about - continuous blooming in mild mood . It is distinguishable from unfeigned marigold ( Tagetes species ) , despite sharing the mutual name .

Calendula officinalis grow 15–31 inch tall with erect , sparsely ramate stems embrace in all right tomentum . Its leaves are alternate , oblong - lanceolate , 2–7 inches long , haired , and slightly sticky , with entire or weakly toothed margins .

The daisy - like flower heads , 1.5–3 inches in diameter , feature vivacious yellow-bellied or orange irradiation florets surrounding a cardinal disk of tube-shaped florets , blooming from June to November in temperate region . The fruit is a curved , thorny achene without a pappus , and the plant breathe a solid , slightly unpleasant odor . Flowers close at nighttime or before rain , a trait historically used to predict weather .

Native to southerly Europe and the eastern Mediterranean , Calendula officinalis has been cultivated for centuries , pretend its exact blood line unreadable . It has naturalized widely across Europe , North Africa , West Asia , and temperate part globally , including North America and Australia .

It flourish in garden , roadsides , waste , and near villages at aggrandisement up to 3,280 pes . Preferring full sun and well - drain , middling fertile filth , it tolerates poor , acid , or alkaline soils and partial spectre but becomes tall-growing in exuberant shade . Its adaptability has made it a garden escapee in cool , temperate climates .

Calendula officinalis is hardy in USDA Zones 2–11 as an one-year , though it grows as a short - lived perennial in Zones 9–11 , where soft winters allow year - round blooming . It tolerates temperatures as gloomy as 5 ° F but struggles in extreme heat or drought , often requiring afternoon nicety in hot summers . In colder zones , it is grow as an yearly , with seed sown in spring for summertime bloom or in fall for winter color in modest climates . Its cold hardiness and reseed ability make it various for various regions .

Calendula has a rich story of culinary , medicative , and ornamental usage . Its edible petals , with a slightly bitter , peppery nip , are used sassy in salads , as a garnish , or dried as a saffron crocus substitute to color soup , cheeses , and butter . Medicinally , C. officinalis is valued for its anti - inflammatory , antiviral , and lesion - heal properties , with ointments handle cut , Robert Burns , and dermatitis .

Historically , it was used for fevers , infections , and menstrual regulation , though grounds for some claim is limited . The plant draw pollinator like bees and hoverflies , serve as a companion plant life in vegetable gardens . Its petals grant a yellow dye for intellectual nourishment , cosmetics , and hair whitening , and the flowers have been used in rituals and as a weather predictor .

Cultivation of Calendula

Choose a Sunny Location

Select a website with full sunshine , bring home the bacon at least 6–8 hour of verbatim sun daily to promote prolific inflorescence and compact growth . Calendula abide fond shade but may become long-legged with reduce flush . ascertain the location accommodates its mature size , typically 15–31 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide , with quad for air circulation to forbid fungal issues .

apply Well - Drained Soil

Plant in well - drained , moderately fat territory with a pH of 6.0–7.0 , though Calendula tolerates pitiable , acid , or alkaline soils . Loamy or sandlike grime are ideal , but threatening clay should be amended with compost or moxie to improve drain and prevent root rot . Test soil drain ; weewee should drain within a few hours to avoid waterlogging .

Sow Seeds at the Right Time

Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring after the last frost for summer blooms , or in fall in mild climate ( Zones 9–11 ) for winter or former spring flowers . Alternatively , start seed indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost , transplanting seedlings after harden off . Sow seeds ¼–½ in deeply , spaced 6–12 inch apart , in rows or clusters .

Water passably

H2O on a regular basis during ecesis , keeping soil evenly moist but not soggy , about 1 inch per week . Once established , Calendula is drought - resistant , requiring watering only during prolonged wry magic spell . Use a soaker hose or water at the home to keep leaf dry , abbreviate the peril of powdery mildew , specially in humid conditions .

Mulch to Retain Moisture

Apply a 1–2 - inch layer of organic mulch , such as straw or shredded bark , around the understructure , keeping it 2 inches from stem to foreclose rot . Mulch preserve moisture , suppress weeds , and mold grime temperature , particularly in hot summertime or cooler springiness , supporting consistent growth and blooming .

Fertilize Sparingly

Calendula thrives in moderately fertile soil and ask minimum fertilization . At planting , contain compost or a balanced , slow - freeing fertilizer ( e.g. , 10 - 10 - 10 ) to boost initial growth . Avoid over - fertilizing , as supernumerary atomic number 7 boost leafy growth at the expense of flowers . In poor soils , go for a dilute liquid plant food monthly during the growing season .

Deadhead to Prolong Blooming

on a regular basis remove pass flowers ( deadheading ) to encourage continuous bloom from June to November in temperate climates . Pinch or snip faded flower heads just above a foliage node using clean-living shears . This prevents seed establishment , redirects zip to fresh blooms , and sustain a tidy show .

Monitor for blighter

Calendula is relatively pest - resistant but may appeal aphids , whiteflies , or slugs , specially in dense plantings . train for sticky residue , curl leaves , or seeable insects . paw - pick slug , use a warm water spray for aphid , or put on insecticidal grievous bodily harm for lasting infestation . Encourage lifelike predators like ladybugs to control plague organically .

Prevent Fungal Diseases

Powdery mildew , leaf spot , and damping - off can move Calendula in humid or poorly ventilated conditions . check proper spacing ( 6–12 inch ) and water supply at the base to keep foliage dry . take away affected leaves quick and apply a fungicide if necessary . better air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal risks .

Support Pollinators

Calendula ’s vibrant flush attract bees , hoverflies , and butterfly , enhancing garden biodiversity . head off pesticide during blooming to protect pollinator . plant life alongside vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers , as Calendula work as a companion works , discourage pests and bear out pollination in eatable garden .

circularise Easily

circulate via seeds , as Calendula readily self - seeds . roll up achene ( seeds ) from dried bloom heads in late summer or declivity , stash away them in a cool , dry place . Sow directly or start indoors for controlled emergence . class or cuttings are not typically used , as source generation is childlike and reliable , with germination in 7–14 days at 60–70 ° F .

Harvest for Culinary or Medicinal Use

Harvest flower in mid - morning when fully open for culinary , medicinal , or dye purposes . Pick flower petal for salads , teas , or drying , ensuring frequent harvest to encourage more rosiness . For medicative ointments , wry peak in a well - ventilated area and fund in airtight container . Use baseball mitt if handling heavy quantity , as the steamy sap may irritate cutis .

further ego - Seeding or Replant

Allow some blossom to constitute seed for natural self - seeding , especially in meek climates , to ensure plant retort each year . instead , pull together seed for controlled sowing in want areas . In colder zone , replant annually , as Calendula may not pull round harsh winter . Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous ontogenesis .

Additional Tips