Calendulas “Pot Marigolds” – Easy to Grow, Blooms all Summer
Posted on August 3rd, 2009 by Sharon Sweeny in Flowers, Herbs
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are one of the easiest annual flowers to grow.
Calendulas are now grown primarily for their golden yellow flowers, but they were traditionally grown as both a seasoning and for medicinal purposes.
Calendula officinalis is its scientific name, but it is also commonly refered to as “pot marigold.” The reason for this is it was once used by the poor as a seasoning, particularly as a substitute for saffron.
The name “calendula” comes from the Latin kalendae, meaning the first day of the new moon, which was also the first day of the month for the Romans. The plant got this name because it was always in bloom on the first day of every month. Calendulas will flower constantly in mild climates.
Pot marigolds grow 18 to 24 inches high and bloom prolifically for the entire growing season. Plant the seeds in the garden where they are to grow. When they are two inches high, thin them so the plants stand 8 to 12 inches apart. Calendulas will reseed themselves and come up every year.
They will grow in almost any type of soil, as long as it is well-drained. They don’t require any additional fertilizer, but they will benefit from a top dressing of compost once during the growing season.
Calendulas have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Their petals are often made into calendula oil or calendula cream, which are applied to help sores and skin ailments heal faster.
Pot marigolds are known as the “herb of the sun” because the flowers have the unusual habit of closing in the heat of the afternoon and remaining closed until the sun has risen the following morning. They then follow the path of the sun, just like sunflowers.
It is sometimes described as the flower of grief because dew gathers in the flower during the night and drips off like tears when the flower opens the following morning. In the language of flowers, calendulas mean sacred affections, joy, remembrance and grief.
Calendulas are also known as the friendship flower, which is the way I prefer to think of them.
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