Tasty Tuesday Herb Spotlight: Calendula

 
Common name: Calendula, Pot Marigold 
 
Botanical name: Calendula officinalis 
 
Family: Asteraceae 

 
Bright, cheerful, and incredibly useful, calendula is a must-have in any herb or flower garden. Known for its sunny orange and yellow blooms, this easy-to-grow plant has a long history of use in herbal skincare and natural remedies. 
 
Why Grow Calendula? 
 
1. Skin-Soothing Superstar 

Calendula is beloved for its gentle, soothing properties and is commonly used in salves, oils, and creams for dry or irritated skin. 
 
2. Edible & Beautiful 
 
Petals are edible and often called “poor man’s saffron”—perfect for adding color to salads, rice, and baked goods. 
 
3. Pollinator Friendly 
 
Bees and beneficial insects love calendula, making it a great addition to vegetable and herb gardens. 
 
4. Easy & Prolific Bloomer 
 
Calendula grows quickly from seed, and blooms continuously when regularly harvested. 
 
Growing & Care 
 
Light 
 
• Prefers full sun to partial shade 
 
• Blooms best in cooler temperatures 
 
Water 
 
• Moderate water needs 
 
• Allow soil to dry slightly between watering 
 
Soil 

• Average, well-draining soil 
 
• Not fussy—tolerates a range of conditions 
 
Growth Habit 
 
• Compact, bushy annual 
 
• Typically grows 12–24 inches tall 
 
• Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms 
 
Climate & Zones 
 
• Grown as an annual in most USDA Zones 
 
• Thrives in cool weather and can tolerate light frost 
 
Growing in Zone 5 
 
Zone 5 gardeners will find calendula especially rewarding. 
 
• Direct sow seeds in early spring, even before last frost 
 
• Can also plant in late summer for fall blooms 
 
• Often self-seeds and returns year after year 
 
Harvesting Calendula 
 
What to Harvest 
 
• Fully open flowers 
 
• Petals can be removed or used whole 
 
When to Harvest 
 
• Harvest regularly throughout the season 
 
• Pick in the morning after dew has dried 
 
Drying Flowers 
 
1. Lay flowers flat on a screen or tray 

2. Dry in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space 
 
3. Store once fully dry in an airtight container 

 
How to Use Calendula 
 
• Infuse petals into oils for salves and skincare 
 
• Add petals to teas or bath blends 
 
• Sprinkle fresh petals into salads for color 
 
Simple Calendula Salve Recipe 
 
A soothing, all-purpose salve perfect for dry skin, minor scrapes, and rough hands. 
 
Ingredients 
 
• 1 cup dried calendula flowers 
 
• 1 cup carrier oil (olive, sweet almond, or jojoba) 
 
• 1–2 tablespoons beeswax pellets 
 
• Optional: a few drops of essential oil (like lavender) 
 
Step 1: Make Calendula-Infused Oil 
 
1. Place dried calendula flowers in a clean jar. 
 
2. Cover completely with oil. 
 
3. Let infuse for 2–4 weeks in a sunny window (or gently heat on low for a few hours). 
 
4. Strain out plant material. 
 
Step 2: Make the Salve 
 
1. Pour 1 cup of infused oil into a double boiler. 
 
2. Add beeswax pellets. 
 
3. Heat gently until wax is fully melted. 
 
4. Remove from heat and add essential oil if desired. 

 

5. Pour into tins or jars and cool until solid. 

 
Final thoughts 
 
Growing Calendula officinalis brings beauty and healing together in one easy plant. From bright blooms in the garden to soothing homemade skincare, calendula is as practical as it is cheerful. 
 
Come visit The Flower Bin to pick up Calendula and start growing your own garden apothecary!