Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold) is a plant in the genus Calendula of the family Asteraceae. It is probably native to southern Europe, though its long history of cultivation makes its precise origin unknown, and it may possibly be of garden origin. It is also widely naturalized further north in Europe (north to southern England) and elsewhere in warm temperate regions of the world.
Calendula officinalis is widely cultivated and can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils. Although perennial, it is commonly treated as an annual, particularly in colder regions where its winter survival is poor, or in hot summer locations where it also does not survive.
Calendula are considered by many gardening experts as among the easiest and most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, especially since they tolerate most soils. In temperate climates, seeds are sown in spring for blooms that last throughout the summer and well into the fall. In areas of little winter freezing (USDA zones 8-11), seeds are sown in autumn for winter color, plants will wither in subtropical summer. Seeds will germinate freely in sunny or half-sunny locations, but plants do best if planted in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. Pot marigolds typically bloom quickly from seed (in under two months) in bright yellows, golds, and oranges.
Leaves are spirally arranged, 5-18cm long, simple and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange and are 3-7cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. Most cultivars have a spicy aroma. It is recommended to deadhead (removal of dying flower heads) the plants regularly to maintain even blossom production.
Numerous cultivars have been selected for variation in flowers, from pale yellow to orange-red, and with "double" flowerheads with ray florets replacing some or all of the disc florets. Examples include "Alpha" (deep orange), "Jane Harmony", "Sun Glow" (bright yellow), "Lemon" (pale yellow), "Orange Prince" (orange), "Indian Prince" (dark orange-red), "Pink Surprise" (double, with inner florets darker than outer florets), "Chrysantha" (yellow, double), and "Variegata" (yellow, variegated leaves).
Pot Marigold florets are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, or added to dishes as a garnish and in lieu of saffron. The leaves are also edible but are often not palatable. They have a history of use as a potherb and in salads. Calendulas are also used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including cabbage moth, gothic moth, and large yellow underwing.
Flowers were used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics. Many of these uses persist today.
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