Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Why it’s in the garden
Marigolds are pretty, and bees love them! They have also been used historically as a remedy for skin problems and in the treatment of bites and stings. Extracts are still used in commercial skin and hair preparations. Marigolds also contain Quercitin in small amounts but its extracts have not been shown to be effective against any medical condition.
Description
Pot Marigolds have hairy, slightly sticky leaves with a strong smell when bruised. The flowers are daisy-like with jagged-edge petals and come in a range of colours from pale yellow to golden brown.
Care and Maintenance
Marigold is an annual which grows from seed each year. The seeds are large and easily collected. It will self-seed, but it would be safer for the first few years to start some off in a seed tray in march/April, and plant on when the seedlings are big enough.