Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) — an easy, edible, pollinator-friendly annual long used in the kitchen and apothecary; “poor man's saffron.” The botanical home of our calendula range.

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Calendula officinalis — pot marigold

Calendula officinalis is the botanical name for the pot marigold, a cheerful, easy annual long valued in the kitchen, the medicine cabinet and the garden alike. Edible and pollinator-friendly, it sits within our calendula range and our edible flowers, part of the wider flower seed collection.

History & origin

The pot marigold is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean and has been grown for centuries for far more than its looks. Medieval herbalists used it to treat wounds and skin, cooks added its golden petals to colour and flavour dishes — earning it the nickname “poor man's saffron” — and it has been a cottage-garden staple throughout. It should not be confused with the unrelated Tagetes marigolds from the Americas.

Its name reflects its long flowering: Calendula comes from the Latin calendae, the first day of the month, as it seems to bloom in almost every one, while officinalis marks it as a plant of the apothecary.

Botanical characteristics

A bushy annual of 30–60 cm, calendula bears bright daisy-like flowers in warm yellows and oranges over a very long season. The petals are edible and the open blooms are excellent for bees and hoverflies, which is why it doubles as both a culinary and a companion flower. It self-seeds happily, returning year after year once established, and is at home among our pollinator flowers and in herb beds alike.

Growing Calendula officinalis from seed

Calendula could hardly be easier — sow direct in spring (or autumn in mild areas) straight where it is to grow, in any reasonable soil and full sun. Deadhead to prolong flowering, or leave a few heads to self-seed for next year. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the basics.

Ready to grow calendula? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Calendula · Edible Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Marigold · All Flower Seeds

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calendula officinalis?
It is the botanical name for the pot marigold, an easy edible and medicinal annual.

Is it the same as a Tagetes marigold?
No — calendula is a different, unrelated genus from the American Tagetes marigolds.

Where does it originate?
From southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

What does the name mean?
Calendula comes from “calendae” (the first of the month, as it flowers nearly every one) and officinalis means medicinal.

How do I grow it?
Sow direct in spring in full sun, then deadhead for more flowers or let a few heads self-seed.