Calendula officinalis (Ruddles, Common Marigold, Scotch Marigold, Pot Marigold)


Botanical Information

FamilyCompositae
GenusCalendula
Speciesofficinalis
CategoryAnnuals
OriginOrigin 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 Zone6
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5 - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H6
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 - (-18)
Temperature (°F)-10 - 0
Height70 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodApril, May, June, July, August

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeUsed in bedding, borders, window boxes, and children's gardens.
PropagationSow in-situ in spring or autumn, or under glass in early spring.
CultivationGrow in full sun in any well-drained soil.
PestsNo notable pests or diseases.
Notable SpecimensRoyal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada planted as an annual.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves to 17 x 6 cm, pubescent to sparsely woolly, and are occasionally toothed and wavy.
Flower DescriptionCapitula to 7 cm in diameter, with ray florets to 2 cm that are yellow or orange in colour.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is to 2.5 cm, beaked or winged.

Photographs