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Calendula — Calendula officinalis

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Calendula — Calendula officinalis

layout: base.njk title: Calendula description: Growing Calendula in West Virginia (Zone 6b/7a) category: medicinal

Type: Annual (self-seeds readily)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Hardiness: Zones 2-11 (grown as annual, self-seeds)

Quick Reference: See detailed growing information below

🌱 Expected Yield

  • Per plant: 1-2 lbs fresh flowers per season (continuous harvest)
  • Per patch (10'x10'): 8-12 lbs fresh flowers (20-25 plants)
  • Lifespan: Annual—completes cycle in one season. Self-seeds readily.

🏺 Heirloom Varieties

'Orange Prince' Calendula

  • Source: Baker Creek, Seed Savers Exchange
  • Notes: Deep orange, double flowers. Vigorous. Self-seeds.

'Lemon Queen' Calendula

  • Source: Heirloom collections
  • Notes: Pale yellow flowers. Less common.

'Resina' Calendula

  • Source: European herb gardens
  • Notes: High resin content. Intense fragrance. Medicinal selection.

'Single Orange' Calendula

  • Source: Herb specialists
  • Notes: Single-petaled (more resin). Best for medicine.

'Bon Bon' Calendula

  • Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds
  • Notes: Compact, double flowers. Good for containers.

(Note: Single-flowered varieties often have higher medicinal resin than highly double ornamental types.)

📜 Cultural History

Domesticated: Ancient Mediterranean, 2,000+ years ago

Historical Record: - Ancient Rome: Calendula used in cooking, medicine. Pliny described uses. - Medieval Europe: "Herb of the Sun" (astrological association). Used for fevers, infections. - Victorian era: Dried petals in soups, salads. - American Civil War: Calendula for wound treatment. - Name origin: Latin "calendae" = first day of month (flowers monthly)

Cultural Significance: - Medieval: Flowers used in church offerings - Indian culture: Sacred to Krishna, used in garlands - Day of the Dead (Mexico): Marigold relative, similar use - Traditional medicine: Skin healing, anti-inflammatory - Modern use: Salves, creams, wound healing - Symbol of grief, sympathy

🌾 Seed Saving / Propagation

  • Seed method: Seeds are curved "calendula seeds" (actually achenes). Harvest when dry. Easy to save.
  • Isolation: 2+ miles (insect-pollinated)
  • Viability: 4-5 years
  • Special notes: Self-seeds readily. Germination 7-14 days. May overwinter as rosettes in mild years.