As cooler weather approaches in the fall and many
herbs stop flowering, calendula is a special plant to have in the
garden. Plants have long been cherished for the long periods of
color they add late in the season, the flavor they add as a seasoning,
and the relief they provide as medicine.
Calendulas originated in India where the Hindus used
them to decorate their temple altars. It takes its botanical name
from the Latin word calendae, which means “throughout the month,”
referring to its long bloom season.
Flowers are single or double, and definitely live
up to their name, “flowers in the sun.” They close up
at night and occasionally on dark days, then reopen with sunshine.
Flowers are borne on top of sturdy stems, framed by large, oblong,
pale green, aromatic leaves. This herb’s neat growth and cheerful
color make it a lovely indoor container plant.
Planting & Care.
Easy to grow from seed. Sow in light, well-drained
rich soil in a sunny location in spring. For fall bloom, sow in
early summer. These hardy annuals reseed freely. With the right
conditions new plants come up year after year. To encourage new
blooms on existing plants, pick and enjoy flowers frequently.
Harvesting and Use.
Flower petals have many medicinal and cosmetic values.
They are an excellent source of vitamin A and phosphorus. Drinking
an infusion of the petals has been recommended to help poor circulation
and varicose veins. Use it for bathing to relieve tired swollen
feet, for cleansing and softening skin, and for soothing tired eyes.
An ointment made from the petals can treat acne, relieve sunburn
and minor burns, and can help fade old scars.
Culinary Use.
Petals give food a delicate, tart flavor, which some
claim is similar to tarragon. Chopped blooms impart a strong color
to eggs, cheeses and soups, and can be used as an inexpensive substitute
for saffron in rice and pasta dishes, biscuits and breads. The petals
make a colorful and nutritious addition to salads. To experience
this edible flower, try the recipe for Calendula
Vinaigrette.
Source: Herbs: Growing & Using The Plants
of Romance by Bill and Sylvia Varney
Read our Archived Herb Articles
Coriander, Cilantro,Coriandrum sativum Coriander, Cilantro was our herb of the month in September 2007. CLICK HERE
Lemon Balm,Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm was our herb of the month in August 2007. CLICK HERE
Basil, Ocimum basilicum Basil was our herb of the month in July 2007. CLICK HERE
Epazote,(Chenopodium amborsiodes)
Epazote was our herb of the month in June 2007. CLICK HERE
Sage,(Salvia species)
Sage was our herb of the month in May 2007. CLICK HERE
Lavender Lavender was our herb of the month in April 2007. CLICK HERE
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
Our herb of the month in March 2007. CLICK
HERE
Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis
Our herb of the month in February 2007. CLICK
HERE
Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa
Our herb of the month in January 2007. CLICK
HERE
Ginger, Zingiber officinale
Our herb of the month in November 2006. CLICK
HERE
Chamomile, Roman or German Chamaemelum nobile or Matricaria recutita
Our herb of the month in October 2006. CLICK
HERE
Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus
Our herb of the month in September 2006. CLICK
HERE
Horsetail, Equisetum arvense
Our herb of the month in August 2006. CLICK
HERE
Cayenne,Capsicum frutescens
Our herb of the month in June 2006. CLICK
HERE
Lemon Verbena, Lippia citriodoro
Our herb of the month in May 2006 . CLICK
HERE
Scented
Geranium,(Pelargonium
species)
Our herb of the month in April 2006 and Herb of the Year 2006 . CLICK
HERE
Mexican Mint Marigold, (Tagetes Lucida)
Our herb of the month in March 2006. CLICK
HERE
Rose, Rosa Species Revisit Rose, our herb of the month in February 2005.CLICK
HERE
Sweet Bay, (Grecian Laurel)
Laurus nobilis
Our herb of the month in January 2006. CLICK
HERE
Herbs of the Bible
Our herb of the month in Decembers 2005. CLICK
HERE
Sage, (Salvia species)
Sage was our herb of the month in November 2005. CLICK
HERE
Lemongrass, (Cymbopogon citratus)Tender perennial Lemongrass was our herb of the month in October 2005. CLICK
HERE
Dandelion, Taraxacum
officinale Dandelion was our herb of the month in September 2005. CLICK
HERE
Borage, Borago officinalis Borage was our herb of the month in August 2005. CLICK
HERE
Basil,Ocimum basilicum Basil was our herb of the month in July 2005. CLICK HERE
Scented Geranium,
Pelargonium
species Parsley was our herb of the month in May/June 2005. CLICK
HERE
Parsley, Petroselinum
sativum Parsley was our herb of the month in March/April
2005. CLICK
HERE
Rose, Rosa Species Rose was our herb of the month in February 2005. CLICK
HERE
Arugula, Roquette, Eruca vesiceria sub, sativa Arugula was our herb of the month in January 2005.
CLICK
HERE
Calendula, Pot Marigold, Calendula officinalis Calendula was our herb of the month in December 2004.
CLICK
HERE
Winter Savory, Satureja
Montana Winter Savory was our herb of the month in November
2004. CLICK
HERE
Coriander, Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum Echinacea was our herb of the month in October 2004.
CLICK
HERE
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) Echinacea was our herb of the month in September
2004. CLICK
HERE
Lemon Verbena Mint was our herb of the month in August 2004. CLICK HERE
Mint Mint was our herb of the month in July 2004. CLICK HERE
Hoja Santum Hoja Santum was our herb of the month in June 2004. CLICK
HERE
Lavender Lavender was our herb of the month in May 2004. CLICK HERE
Thyme Thyme was our herb of the month in April 2004. CLICK HERE
Oregano Oregano was our herb of the month in October 2003.
CLICK
HERE
Peppermint Ideas Peppermint was our herb of the month in August 2003.
Our readers sent in these ideas on how they use peppermint. CLICK HERE
