Grow | Harvest | Make with Calendula
I D E N T I F I C A T I O N
Calendula Officinalis
Asteraceae family
Bright orange and yellow flowers
Light green oval, tongue shaped leaves
Sticky, resinous, square stems
G R O W
Annual
Rich, moist, well drained soil
Full sun
Start indoors or direct sow in late spring
Prolific self seeder
Can be grown in containers
H A R V E S T
Summer
Late morning
From half to full blooming
Pinch blooms with fingernails as close to bud as possible
Harvest regularly to encourage more growth
For seed saving, pick flower heads once seeds have turned brown and are dried
D R Y
Split flowers in half for quicker drying as buds are thick and resinous
Lay in a cool, dry place
or
Dehydrate under 95 degrees
Petals may be separated from the buds if not looking for bitter or digestive qualities
Harvesting Sunshine
Surely should not be this easy!
-Nathaniel Hughes & Fiona Owen
Bitter | Astringent
Antiseptic | Antibacterial | Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory | Vulnerary
M A K E
Tea: ulcers, digestive ailments, fevers, mucous membrane support, menstrual ailments, lymph, swollen glands, water retention
Oil: any skin ailment, facial, earache, yeast infections, cradle cap, diaper rash, nipples, perineum, breast cysts
Wash/Compress: eyes, any skin ailment, lighten blonde hair, varicose veins, nasal, gargle, hemorrhoids, thrush
Culinary: young leaves and petals in salad, dye butter and cheese yellow
For educational purposes only.
Not intended for medical advice.
Always consult your physician.
Purchase herbs by visiting Mountain Rose Herbs!
Folklore & Fables of Calendula
It's species name - Calendula Officinalis - comes from the Roman word "calends" meaning "throughout the month" or "of every month" because the plant is able to bloom most months of the year in some climates.
Common names include Pot Marigold, Summer's Bride, Bride of Sun, Mary Gold and Mary Bud.
Pot Marigold is a reference to being an "herb of all pottage". A handful was thrown into pots of food for color, taste and texture.
There are several stories about the evolution from Mary's Gold to marigold. A basic one references that Jesus was Mary's gold. Another is that along her long journey, robbers meant to steal her gold. When they opened her "purse" they found Calendula rather than the valuables she had hidden somewhere else.
Ruled by sun and the sign Leo, its element is fire and its energy is masculine.
In floriography, or Victorian Language of Flowers, Calendula seems to have a broad range of signifiers including i'm thinking of you, contempt, sympathy, or grief. The latter few are a bit surprising given the sunny disposition of this plant!
Symbolism includes:
Clairvoyance
Optimism
Longevity
Renewed life
Protection
Peace
Beauty
Love
Friendship
The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun And with him rises weeping
A Winter's Tale
Shakespeare
Similar to Dandelion, Calendula acts as a clock and weather forecaster. It closes them in the evening and opens its dew laced petals in the morning. If they are still closed midday, expect rain. Insects and fairies use closed blooms as overnight accommodations.
Calendula partakes in several wheel of the year celebrations bringing high sun and fire energy to the Summer Solstice and reverence for those loved ones whom we remember on Samhain.
It can be placed under a pillow for prophetic dreams.
Lastly, it is said to offer luck in legal matters and to be brought to court or hearings.