Calendula officinalis - tall double-flowered

Calendula officinalis - Double-Flowered

Garden marigold, also known as pot marigold, is one of approximately twenty species of calendula. This annual reaches a height of 25-60 cm, but dwarf varieties are also cultivated. The flower is a composite head. Marigold flowers can be single, double, or semi-double. The stem is hairy and sticky. The plant is rich in the natural dye calendulin. Marigold contains essential oils, carotenoids (in flowers) and other organic dyes, flavonoids, bitter compounds, mucilaginous substances, triterpene saponins, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. In the form of oils or infusions, it is used for skin care. In the kitchen, marigold is used as a food coloring for cheeses, yogurts, butter, soups, sauces, dairy dishes, rice, omelets and baked goods. It is also widely used in cosmetics.

How to Grow Marigold

• Marigold requires a fully sunny position. It does not grow in shade. Overly dense perennial stands restrict its growth, with the risk that other plants will completely suppress its development. By removing spent flower heads, we extend the flowering period. The soil should be constantly moist, not waterlogged.

• We sow marigold seeds from March onwards directly into the bed. The best method is to scatter them across the entire bed where we want them to grow. Then thin out the young plants to a distance of 20-30 cm.

• Not demanding regarding soil. Suitable soil is permeable and not permanently waterlogged. Rather alkaline.

• The planting site should be fertilized with well-aged compost or manure. In spring before sowing, work approximately 100 kg of ammonium sulfate or calcium ammonium nitrate and about 200 kg of superphosphate per 1 hectare shallowly into the soil.

• The plant does not suffer from pests or diseases.

• We harvest entire flower heads including calyces or just the ray florets, which we pull out from the head. We do not collect wilted heads.