Organic Calendula

Description

Organic Calendula. Calendula officinalis.

Organic Calendula is an annual plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae.  With its beautiful singluar flowers, orangey in colour with a dark centre and green lobed leaves, this is sure to make a lovely addition to any south facing garden.

How to grow:
Sow seeds in April and May then transplant out May to June and enjoy blooms from June until the first frosts.

Problem solving:
It’s a warm climate species therefore likes full sun so where possible plant in a south facing spot. Planting it in the garden can deter ants from staying.

Ways to use them:
The leaves can be used in tea. The flower petals are very tasty and colourful in salads. Above soil parts of the plants can be used to make creams. Lovely as a cut flower.

Cultural history:
Calendula has been used for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes. Most likely native to southern Europe, however its exact origin is unknown due to its long history of cultivation. Often used for more magical purposes than medicinal ones in historical times, a potion containing Calendula was said to reveal fairies! Seen as sacred flowers in India and used to decorate statues of Hindu deities.

Avg contents: 1.5g (~200 seeds).