WARNING: Not for internal use by pregnant women; may cause contact dermatitis in those allergic to ragweed.Calendula has become one of
my favorite medicinal herbs, flower and pollinator garden superstars, and edible flowers. Their prolific sunny flowers are a dramatic statement in any garden setting.
Few things sooth skin irritation like a calendula salve.
Research proves marigold species as beneficial in lowering plant-parasitic nematodes in soil.
Growing
As with marigolds, they are one of the easiest plants to grow. They germinate easily, transplant well, direct sow well, and are not picky about growing conditions.
Unlike marigolds, calendula can not handle high heat well, so partial shade in very hot locations is recommended. Calendula is a perennial in hotter areas and is grown as an annual in colder climates.
From experience, I can say that these are TOUGH plants. Even when left in small cell flats in the sun, they grew and bloomed through the months. They didn't thrive, but they survived with minimal care in sub-par conditions.
They should not be grown in shade nor watered from overhead, as they are susceptible to powdery mildew. For more blooms, deadheading will help, but is not necessary.
They should NOT be grown with beans, as a chemical produced by their roots will stunt the growth of the beans.
As with marigold, calendula can be planted in mass a season before planting tomatoes, garlic, onion, strawberry, snap bean, cucumber and squash to lower plant-parasitic nematodes. It is used prolifically by gardeners as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects and pollinators and as a trap crop for aphids and other pests.
It is used as an ornamental flower in containers, borders, and flower gardens. calendula can be used as a cut flower. Making sure to remove all leaves below the water line so they don't stink as the leaves rot quickly in water. The flowers can also be dried upside down and used in dried arrangements.
Calendula is one of the most common medicinal herbs. It has a long history of use in tinctures, salves and washes to treat skin wounds and ailments and for digestive issues. Most of the desirable compounds are located in the green base of the flower. Harvest the just-opened flowers once the dew is dry, every 2-3 days. If the plant goes to seed, it will stop producing. Dry the whole flower heads on screens until fully dry, up to 10 days. Store in glass until ready to use.
The petals are high in antioxidants and carotenoids. They can be used in salads, cookies, herbal butters, teas and any recipe calling for herbal flowers. Whole flowers can be used in soups and stews.
The only marigold that is edible is calendula officinalis. French and African marigolds are NOT EDIBLE nor medicinal.
I grow calendula mainly for salves and teas. However, they are just a most useful plant to have on the homestead. Whether it is as nematode control, trap crop, beneficial insect attractant, or just looking pretty, I will always have them prolific in my garden.
specs
Calendula officinalisType: Annual in cold areas/perennial in frost-free areas
Uses: Beneficial insect attractant, reduce parasitic nematodes, medicinal, edible flowers, yellow dye
Germination: Can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost and transplanted out after frost date
Seed Prep: None
Seed Depth: 1 inch
Germination Time: 5-14 days
Growing Temp: 70-75°F
Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Spacing: 12 inches
Sunlight: Full sun in temperate climates, partial shade in very hot areas
Water Requirements: Average, drought tolerant, don't over water
Soil Quality: Average, well-drained, but not picky
Soil Chemistry: 6.0-7.0
Fertilize: Not needed
Growth Rate: Fast, reaches full maturity in 8 weeks
Bloomtime: Summer to fall
Attracts: Pollinators
Critter Resistant: Repels plant-parasitic nematodes, deer
Critter Attractant: Slugs, pest insects
Harvest: Flowers
Pruning: Pinch back early to encourage branching, deadhead regularly
Pests: Spider mites, aphids, Japanese beetles, white fly, rape blossom beetles, cutworms, white fringed beetle, lygus bug, six-spotted leafhopper, potato leafhopper, cyclamen mite, blister beetle
Diseases: Powdery mildew
Reseeds: Yes, aggressively
Propagation: Seeds
Garden Style: English cottage, wildflower, containers, border, medicinal
Companions: Most vegetables, may inhibit the growth of some herbs and will stunt the growth of beans
Allergy Potential: Topical rash in some people
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-and-using-calendula-1402626
https://chestnutherbs.com/calendula-sunshine-incarnate-an-edible-and-medicinal-flower/
No comments:
Post a Comment