Herbs · Everyday herb

Calendula

Calendula officinalis · also called Pot marigold, Mary's gold · planet: Sun

A cheerful annual with orange or yellow daisy-like flowers that open with the sun and close at dusk.

In the garden

Full sun and ordinary soil; deadhead often and it flowers from spring to frost. Easy to grow from seed.

In the kitchen

Scatter petals into rice, soups and salads as a cheap golden color, the poor man's saffron.

Take care

• People allergic to daisies, ragweed or chrysanthemums can react.
• Traditionally avoided in larger amounts during pregnancy.

Folklore and garden information only, not medical advice. Do not eat or use any plant unless you are certain what it is and that it is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, on medicine, or choosing for children or pets.

Where to buy

Dried herb

• Mountain Rose Herbs Organic dried herbs and botanicals.
• Starwest Botanicals Bulk dried herbs, spices and teas.

Seeds

• Botanical Interests Seed packets for herb and flower gardens.
• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

Live plants

• Burpee Seeds and young plants.
• Park Seed Seeds and live plants. Search for the herb once you are on their site.

These links go to the seller websites themselves. We are not paid for them.