Calendula officinalis (Ruddles, Common Marigold, Scotch Marigold, Pot Marigold)
Botanical Information
| Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Calendula |
| Species | officinalis |
| Category | Annuals |
| Origin | Origin unknown. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Calendula has a long history of medicinal uses. The juice from the flowers was used by the Romans as a cure for warts, the Doctrine of Signatures states that was used it to treat jaundice and as a substitute for saffron in the treatment of measles and smallpox, as a styptic during the American Civil War, and as a haemostatic in World War 1. The petals are now used as a garnish for salads, in meat and fish soups, or as a colouring agent for cheese, butter, rice dishes and cakes. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 6 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 5 - 6a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 - H6 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -23 - (-18) |
| Temperature (°F) | -10 - 0 |
| Height | 70 cm |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | April, May, June, July, August |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Used in bedding, borders, window boxes, and children's gardens. |
| Propagation | Sow in-situ in spring or autumn, or under glass in early spring. |
| Cultivation | Grow in full sun in any well-drained soil. |
| Pests | No notable pests or diseases. |
| Notable Specimens | Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada planted as an annual. |
| Leaf Description | Leaves to 17 x 6 cm, pubescent to sparsely woolly, and are occasionally toothed and wavy. |
| Flower Description | Capitula to 7 cm in diameter, with ray florets to 2 cm that are yellow or orange in colour. |
| Fruit Description | Fruit is to 2.5 cm, beaked or winged. |