Calendula officinalis (Calendula) is a popular flowering plant that is said to be native to temperate regions of southern Europe. Calendula is a fast-growing annual or perennial in warmer climates and is cultivated not only for its beautiful orange flowers but as a popular medicinal herb.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Other commonly used names for Calendula include Ruddles, Mary’s Gold, Scotch Marigold, Common Marigold and Pot Marigold.
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Growth
Calendula officinalis is an annual or short-lived perennial flowering plant that grows to around 80cm (32 inches) high by 45cm (18 inches) wide. Calendula is easy to grow during the warmer months in cool climates or all year round in Sub-Tropical or Tropical climates.
Plants are not frost tolerant, require full sun and regular watering especially prior to and during the flowering stage. It is recommended to grow Calendulas in pots in cooler climates so that they can be moved during periods of frost or low temperatures. In warmer climates, they should be grown in a location that doesn’t expose them to the harsh afternoon sunlight.
Plants are reasonably fast growing and in ideal conditions can start to flower in around 6-8 weeks.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
1-30°C / 33-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 80cm (32 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 45cm (18 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or Short-Lived Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
6-8 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
70-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-10 days at temperatures between 15-21°C / 59-80°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 150
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (Calendula)
Calendula leaves can be used to make a poultice which is great for helping scratches, wounds, cuts and burns to heal faster and to prevent infection. Eye drops have also been made using the Calendula plant.
The flowers are edible and can be used to add colour into salads. Although the leaves are also edible, they are extremely bitter and not widely used.
In Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures Calendula has been used not only as a medicinal herb but also to make dyes for foods and fabrics.
When grown in warmer climates, Calendulas can flower all year round.
For more information about how to use Calendula as a medicinal herb please click here.
