Here is an extract from our
Growing and Knowing Annuals EBook, very interesting and a must read book.
Calendula
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Genus: Calendula
Common Name: Pot Marigold,
Calendula, Daisy
Origin: Canary Islands, South and Central Europe, North Africa, Iran.
Appearance: Orange-yellow or yellow flowers. Aromatic leaves. Plants around 30cm high.
Culture: Ordinary soil. Sunny orshady position. Tolerates most soils.
Propagation: Seed sown in spring orautumn.
Health: Powdery mildew possible problem.Also cucumber mosaic virus can infect foliage.
Uses: Will tolerate poor soil. Goodfor baskets and containers, borders, most styles of gardens. Good insectattractant. Petals can be used to give colour in rice/soup.
Also can be used in salads.
Medicinal: stimulates the liver andgall bladder, soothes the digestive system, supports the heart, and clears infections.
Cultivars/Species: Approximately 20 species of annuals and perennials. C.officinalis is the well-known Pot Marigold while C. arvensis is a common wild flowerin Mediterranean countries.