Berks County Cooperative Extension -

CALENDULA

History.

In the late 1600s, English poet John Gray wrote the following riddle:

What flower is that which bears the Virgin's name, The richest metal joined to the same?

The answer: calendula.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) (family: compositae) received its name from the ancient Romans, who observed that the plant could be counted on to bloom on the first day of every month (from Latin calends). This colorful herb was used by the Romans as an antidote for scorpion bites. Although calendula never became a major medicinal herb, it was used to treat headaches, toothaches, fevers and eye irritation. Since herbalists often used plants for medicinal properties suggested by a physical feature of a plant such as color or shape, the yellow flowers were thought to be beneficial in the treatment of jaundice.

Growing and harvesting.

Calendula, also known as pot marigold or English marigold, is an annual that is easily grown from seed in averge soil. Seeds placed in freshly turned bed will germinate in ten days to two weeks. Since a mature calendula is quite full, thin seedlings to allow 12 to15 inches between plants. Flowers are various shades of organge and yellow. Calendula adds bright color to the garden and possesses insect repelling properties.

To harvest and store calendula, dry the petals on paper towels taking care to ensure that the petals do not touch one another. After the petals have dried, they should be placed in a moisture proof container.

Uses.

Fresh petals added to a salad or tossed into hot vegetables bring the colors of summer to the table. Dried and powdered petals may be substituted for saffron to brighten many dishes. Other uses include:

As a dye to color fabric.
As an ingredient of pot pourri.
In the form of a tea, as a hair rinse or bath oil.

Author: Master Gardener and noted herbalist Iris Lonker
Document created: 15 December 1999; Revised: 3 March 2001