Calendula officinalis
With both decorative and healing properties, Calendula is a multi-faceted addition to your indoor garden.
Calendula is also known as Pot Marigold; an easy-to-grow, widely known edible flower with high pharmaceutical value. Its bright yellow-orange tones will brighten up any space. Calendula has a natural talent for bringing summer vibes indoors. That must be the reason it's loved all around the world!
Calendula's flower is edible. The whole plant is full of antioxidants; buds and petals are especially rich in triterpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols and carotenoids. They add color to fresh salads and other cold dishes, including ice cubes. Calendula tea brewed from dried buds and petals is a natural remedy for anxiety and stress.
Sprouts within: 7-14 days
Lasts up to: 84 days
Temperatures: 18 - 30 °C / 64 - 86 °F
- Calendula is not heat sensitive and grows best at 18 - 30 °C / 64 - 86 °F.
- You may thin out extra seedlings and leave one or two of the strongest per pod to thrive. This way the whole plant pod will last and provide blooms for a longer time.
- Expect to see the first flowers approximately 50 days after planting.
- In order to keep it in flower it is crucial to remove withering flowers with a piece of stem - this is called deadheading. New flower buds will emerge soon and will continue to do so until it reaches 12 weeks of age. If you keep taking good care of it - it may last even longer.
- Use edible flowers in full bloom for a soothing tea or garnish - harvesting flowers also promotes new buds to develop. They have a slightly bitter, tangy, peppery flavor. They add color to fresh salads and other cold dishes, including ice cubes or desserts.
- If you wish to plant it out trim it back and release root-bound. Just keep in mind Calendula is an annual and will not re-flower if the temperature drops to freezing.
- Calendula is generally safe to use as a mild remedy, also for kids. Though, people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family should avoid it. Avoid ingesting Calendula for its pharmaceutical properties if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, just in case.
