Calendula

Read about Calendula in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture
Calendula (Latin, calendae or calends: throughout the months). Compositae. Flower-garden plants. Small herbs , the common cult. species annual, others perennial, with alternate simple Ivs., mostly large heads with yellow or orange rays, glabrous incurved achenes, plane naked receptacle, pappus none, and involucre broad, with scales in one or two series, their margin usually scarious.—Some 15 species from Canary Isls. to Persia. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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Calendula

Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Plant Info

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Tribe:	Calenduleae
Genus:	Calendula L.

Species

See text

Calendula (pot marigold) is a genus of about 12-20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. For other plants also named 'marigold', see marigold. It is also the flower of the month October.

The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. The common name marigold probably refers to the Virgin Mary, or its old Saxon name 'ymbglidegold', which means 'it turns with the sun'. Marigolds typically bloom quickly (in under two months) in bright yellows, reds, and oranges throughout the summer and well into the fall.

Marigolds are considered by many gardening experts as one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, especially since it is easy to grow. Seeds sown in the spring, in most soils, will germinate freely in sunny or half-sunny locations. They do best, however, if planted in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. The leaves are spirally arranged, 5-18 cm long, simple, and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange, and are 3-7 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. They have a spicy aroma and are produced from spring to autumn in temperate climates. It is recommended to deadhead (removal of dying flower heads) the plants regularly to maintain even blossom production.

Marigolds are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, The Gothic, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

The ointment of this herb is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne as it has properties that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding and soothes irritated tissue. Use internally or topically for minor wounds, eczemas and cysts as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants. Also, when planted near tomato plants in the garden, Marigolds help to reduce the presence of aphids.

Marigold petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, and marigold extract is commonly added to chicken feed to produce darker egg yolks. Their aroma, however, is not sweet, and resembles the smell of hops in beer. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

Selected species

Calendula arvensis – Field Marigold
Calendula bicolor
Calendula eckerleinii
Calendula lanzae
Calendula maderensis – Madeiran Marigold
Calendula maroccana
Calendula meuselii
Calendula officinalis – Pot Marigold
Calendula stellata
Calendula suffruticosa
Calendula tripterocarpa

References

Calendula suffruticosa
Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) from Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885