Alvesgaspar / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
EdibleMedicinal
Edible Partsflowers
Overview
Often called pot marigold, calendula has been used in kitchens and apothecaries since the Middle Ages for its sunny orange and yellow blooms. This easy-growing annual is one of the most versatile medicinal herbs, with well-documented anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Its petals add golden color to soups, rice, and salves alike.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureDry
Hardiness Zones2 — 11
Height0.5m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Bloom Colororange
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after last frost; easy from seed |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest open flowers; petals edible and medicinal; dry for tea |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Direct sow in spring; deadhead for continuous bloom |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall sowing for late season color |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Jul | Pick flowers regularly; self-sows generously |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Fall harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Sow in late winter/early spring; tolerates light frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sow for mild-winter bloom |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — Jun | Spring bloom; deadhead for rebloom |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall sow; blooms through winter in mild areas |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Apr (wraps) | Blooms through cool season |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Fall sow for cool-season bloom; fades in heat |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Winter bloom; edible petals add color to salads |
Uses
Culinary
- Petals used as a saffron substitute for color in rice and soups
- Fresh flowers added to salads
- Infused into oils and butters for golden color
Medicinal
- Infused oil and salve for wound healing and skin repair
- Anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties
- Tea used for sore throats and mouth inflammation
Other Uses
- Companion plant that attracts beneficial insects and repels pests
- Natural dye producing yellow and orange tones
- Ingredients in natural skincare products
Safety Notes
Generally safe. Avoid during pregnancy. May cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to Asteraceae family.
