Calendulas

Calendulas, commonly known as pot marigolds, are flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus Calendula includes several species, with Calendula officinalis being the most widely cultivated for ornamental and medicinal uses. They are typically annuals or short-lived perennials in temperate regions.

Plants are typically 30 to 60 centimeters tall and feature bright orange or yellow composite flowers. The blooms are often single or double and can appear for many weeks in warm weather. Leaves are generally lanceolate to oval, with a somewhat hairy texture. Calendula petals are edible and are sometimes used to impart color and flavor to foods.

Native to the Mediterranean region, calendulas have become naturalized in many parts of the world. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and tolerate poorer soils better than many other ornamentals. They are relatively frost-tender and are commonly grown as spring and summer annuals in temperate gardens. They can be started from seed directly in the garden or sown indoors and transplanted after the last frost. Deadheading can prolong flowering, and many cultivars offer a range of flower forms from single to highly double.

Uses of calendulas include ornamental gardening, as border or ground-cover plants, and in containers. The petals have culinary uses in salads or as a saffron substitute in some recipes. Medicinally, calendula has a long history of traditional use for skin healing and anti-inflammatory applications; calendula oil and extracts are used in cosmetics and topical preparations. Scientific evidence for all medicinal claims remains variable, and calendula should be used with caution by individuals with allergies or sensitivities. Common pests include aphids and leaf spot, while powdery mildew can affect some cultivars in humid conditions.