We would not know where to classify the marigold . In crop protection, in medicinal properties, in the organic garden , in the garden, etc.

It can be in all of them because the properties, as well as its color, delight any space that we have available for it.

Combined with its low demands it may be one of the most beloved flowers in an orchard or garden.

CALENDULA, ONE OF THE BEST FLOWERS IN THE GARDEN

Within marigolds there are numerous species. One of the best known is Calendula officinalis .

The word calendula has its origin in the term calendas . Latin word that defined the first day of the month. It was attributed because the flowering frequency was approximately one month.

I am sorry to say that the plant is not so exact in its flowering but perhaps it is because it maintains the flowering practically all year round . Perhaps that is why it is highly appreciated.

It always gives us a touch of color, whatever the season we are in. Let’s see what we can get from it:

There are dozens of species:

• Calendula arvensis
• Calendula denticulata
• Calendula officinalis (which we are talking about today and the most popular)
• Calendula incana
• Calendula lanzae
• calendula Palestine
• Calenudla suffruticosa

PROPERTIES AND USES OF CALENDULA

This is the great potential of this flower. Its medicinal properties.

The famous calendula ointment made from virgin oil, beeswax and calendula flower, soothes mild skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. If you intend to make this ointment, take note:

• 1 liter of oil (it can be extra virgin or almond)
• 150-200 g of virgin beeswax. (Variations in the amount of wax will influence the final thickness of the mix).
• 350g of fresh flowers
• Flavoring essential oils (once the ointment is made you can add a few drops to give it a pleasant aroma)

Heat the oil and cook the flowers over a very low heat for 1 hour or an hour and a half. We separate the flowers with a strainer and remove them.

We add the wax and heat until it melts. If we want a smooth and uniform texture, we can filter everything with a cloth strainer or cloth. Pack in a jar and add the essential drops that you want (optional).

In addition to the ointment, it also has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for stomach ailments.

HOW TO GROW CALENDULA AT HOME AND GARDEN

HOW TO SOW

It can be done both in direct sowing and in seedlings . Although it involves a little more work, we recommend sowing in a seedbed.

The temperature will be between 18 and 24 ºC for this period and the fine watering and daily. Remember what we have mentioned in other posts about not flooding the seeds during the nascence period with irrigation.

A shower with a fine-flow showerhead is ideal. The sowing depth about 2 cm.

CLIMATOLOGY

We have already said that calendula is easy to grow and maintain, so we cannot call it “demands”. They will be more like notes because this genetic marvel holds everything.

Temperature

It prefers temperate or warm climates , we say it prefers because it tolerates temperatures below zero.

There are cases of down to -5ºC, so do not worry if they announce frost because it is very possible that it will endure it. Still, the optimum is in the mid-twenties.

Light and light exposure

In this you can be a little more specific but not much. We will have to leave it a good exposure to the sun so that it develops strongly.

WATER NEEDS AND SOIL REQUIREMENTS

It requires regular watering almost daily in the first phases of hatching. Once the flower is developed they lengthen to 2 or 3 a week.

It also adapts well to many types of soil, but draining soil is best.

AN AMAZING MARIGOLD FINISH

Its petals are eaten!

Maybe you knew it but if anyone did not know this culinary aspect, they already know it. They can be eaten and even add aroma and color to dishes.

It has been widely used as the “cheap” substitute for saffron. Here you have a fabulous salad with marigold petals.