Our favorite flower! Let’s talk about the many benefits of growing calendula flowers. Calendula flowers have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and they offer a range of benefits for both mind and body. They are easy to grow and can be used in a variety of recipes. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of calendula flowers, how to grow them, and what to do with them once you’ve harvested them.
Calendula plants, where did they come from?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a plant that’s not only beautiful but has been used as medicine for centuries. It’s not the same plants as ornamental marigolds that you might find growing in your garden.
Calendula originated in Asia, where this flower became cultivated primarily because of its use by traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda & Unani treatments. In India and Turkey, it was cultivated alongside Islamic flower oils to treat skin ailments.
Calendula was grown and cultivated by the ancient Greeks to treat wounds on battlefields or other surgical procedures where cleanliness was imperative but not always possible.
How to plant and care for calendula flowers
Calendula is a cheerful annual flower that blooms in a wide range of colors, from lemon yellow to deep orange. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and will bloom from summer to fall. Because it blooms so profusely, calendula is often used as an edging plant or in mass plantings.
While calendula is easy to grow from seed, the timing of planting can be crucial for getting the best results. In general, calendula seeds should be sown in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
However, in areas with warm winters, it may be possible to get away with planting the seeds in late winter. If you’re not sure when to plant your calendula seeds, your local cooperative extension office should be able to give you specific advice for your area.
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To sow the seeds, simply scrape away a shallow furrow about ½ inch deep in loose, well-drained soil and sprinkle the seeds thinly along the length of the furrow. Gently tamp down the soil and water well. The calendula seeds will germinate in 7-14 days.
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Once they have sprouted, thin out the seedlings so that they are spaced about 6 inches apart. Water once or twice a week when conditions are dry. Mulching helps control weeds, conserves moisture, and keeps the roots cool.
Calendula does best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. If you live in an area with warm winters, you can plant calendula in the fall and enjoy blooms throughout the winter. With a little care and attention, calendula will provide you with cheerful blooms for many seasons to come. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continued blooming.
Calendula as a companion plant
Calendula plants are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they also offer a variety of benefits as companion plants. Calendulas release chemicals that help suppress the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria, making them ideal for growing alongside other plants.
They also attract bees and other pollinators, which can help to improve the overall health of your garden. In addition, calendulas produce a compound that deters some pests, such as slugs, tomato hornworms, nematodes, and aphids.
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As a result, these versatile plants can help to keep your garden healthy and thriving. A few plants that would appreciate calendula’s company are asparagus, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and peas.
Once they are blooming, calendula flowers can be harvested and used in a variety of ways.
Calendula Resources
More about calendula flowers and herbal remedies:
The Edible Flower Garden (Edible Garden Series, by Rosalind Creasy
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments, by Andrew Chevallier
Where to find seeds:
Where to find calendula infused Soap and Salve:
Harvesting your flowers
Calendula flowers are beautiful, edible flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any dish. They can be used fresh or dried, and they can also be preserved for later use. The key to harvesting and preserving calendula flowers is to do so at the right time. The flowers should be picked when they are fully open and in the morning before the heat of the day wilts them.
To harvest calendula flowers, simply cut the stems at the base of the plant. Be sure to choose flowers that are fully open and free of blemishes. If you’re planning on using the flowers immediately, you can place them in a vase of water.
Otherwise, you can hang them upside down in a dark, cool area until they’re ready to use. To preserve calendula flowers, you can dry them or make a Calendula oil infusion. Drying is the easiest method – simply place the flowers on a dehydrator tray and set the temperature to low. Alternatively, you can air-dry the calendula by hanging the stems upside down in a dark, cool area.
To make an infusion, fill a glass jar with calendula petals and cover them with olive oil. Store the jar in a dark, cool place for four to six weeks, then strain the petals and store the oil in a dark glass bottle. Calendula oil can be used topically to heal cuts and scrapes, or it can be added to lotions and salves.
What to do with calendula flowers once you’ve harvested them
The most popular way to use calendula flowers is to make tea. To do this, simply steep the flowers in hot water for 10 minutes. The tea can be taken daily and is said to help with a variety of ailments, including indigestion, anxiety, and insomnia. Make a custom blend with mint and lemon-flavored herbs for a relaxing evening treat.
Calendula flowers can also be used topically. They can be made into an ointment or salve, which can then be applied to the skin to soothe irritation or heal wounds.
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Finally, calendula flowers can be added to recipes. They can be used to make simple syrup, which can be added to cocktails or desserts. Calendula petals can also be added to soups and stews. Once commonly called “poor man’s saffron,” the bright orange flowers readily lend their color and flavor to your favorite dish.
Calendula petals taste slightly bitter when eaten raw, adding an enjoyable complexity to everyday salads. They are full of antioxidants like lutein. Making them a healthful and joyful topping on any dish.
Health Benefits
Calendula petals have been used for centuries in skincare products due to their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. When infused in water, the petals release these compounds, which can then be used to make everything from toners to face creams.
Calendula is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin, as it can help to reduce redness and calm irritation. In addition, the antioxidant compounds in calendula can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
While calendula products are widely available, it’s also easy to make your own infusions at home. Simply place a few tablespoons of dried calendula petals in a glass jar, and cover with boiling water. Leave the mixture to steep for 20 minutes, then strain and transfer to a clean container. You can use this homemade calendula infusion in any recipe that calls for water or another liquid ingredient.
Calendula flowers can be used topically or taken internally, and they are said to have a range of benefits
– Reducing inflammation
– Healing wounds, minor cuts and bruises
– Boosting the immune system
– Enhancing digestion
– Antiseptic
– Antifungal
– Soothing skin irritations such as insect bites, eczema, sunburns and chapped lips
Calendula is a beautiful flower that has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Calendula petals are infused in oil to create a natural and gentle soap that is perfect for sensitive skin. This soap has numerous benefits, including the ability to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. Additionally, calendula petal soap is excellent for cleansing cuts and scrapes.
The antimicrobial properties of calendula help to keep the wound clean and free from infection. When used regularly, this soap can help to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Soap made with calendula infusions is an excellent way to moisturize and protect the skin. Visit Calendula Bath and Home for a wonderful selection of calendula petal skincare products.
An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L.
The petals of the calendula flower are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them an ideal ingredient for natural salves and ointments. When applied to the skin, calendula salves can help to reduce redness and swelling, speed up the healing process, and prevent infection.
Additionally, calendula salves are often used to soothe diaper rash, eczema, and other forms of dermatitis. For best results, look for calendula salves that are made with fresh or dried calendula petals that have been steeped in oil for several weeks.
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