Wholesale Marigold / Calendula

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on marigold (calendula)

description
Calendula officinalis, a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a short-lived aromatic herbaceous perennial that can reach nearly 2 1/2 feet in height. The plant has branched lax or erect stems with oblong-lanceolate leaves that are roughly 2–7 inches in length, have hair on top and bottom, and with margins entire or occasionally waved or weakly toothed. The inflorescences are yellow, comprising a thick capitulum or flowerhead 1 ½ to 2 ¾ inch in diameter. The flowerhead is surrounded by two rows of hairy bracts. In the wild the plant often has a single ring of ray florets surrounding the central disc florets. The disc florets are tubular and hermaphrodite, and generally of a more intense orange-yellow color than the female, tridentate, peripheral ray florets. The fruit is a thorny curved achene.

The plant may flower the full length of the year if conditions are suitable.

common names & nomenclature
Marigold is from the late 14th century marygolde, which from Mary— most-likely in reference a reference to the Virgin + gold, for its color. The Old English name for the flower was simply golde.

Also known as:
pot marigold, english marigold, poet's marigold, husbandman's dial, marybud, merrybud, marygold, summer's bride, ruddles, common marigold, garden marigold, scottish marigold

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for marigold (calendula)

Calendula officinalis is most-likely native to southern Europe. The plant has a long history of cultivation which makes its precise origin difficult to know. It is hypothesized that it may be of garden origin. It is also widely naturalized further north in Europe—in north to southern England for example—and elsewhere in warm temperate regions of the world.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting marigold (calendula)

climate
Marigold enjoys sunny (to partially sunny) locations. Interestingly it will be annual in cooler climates and a perennial in warmer climates. Typically grown in cultivated gardens where it adds ornamental color, marigold is also often grown as a utilitarian herb for many therapeutic purposes.

soil
Marigold succeeds in any well-drained soil, though it prefers a good loam.

growing
Sow seeds directly in the garden soil from spring to early summer and again in September. The seed germinates best in darkness and usually within 1 - 2 weeks at 21°C. The plant often self-sows freely.

harvesting
Marigold leaves can be used fresh or dried. They are best harvested late-morning on a day forecast for sun just after the dew has dried from them.

Marigold flowers are also used fresh or dried. If they are being collected for drying they are harvested when fully open and need to be dried quickly in the shade.

preserving
Once they are dry, remove the petals and store in a sealed jar away from light and heat which can damage the oils they contain.

04.
The Rest of the Story

marigold (calendula) history, folklore, literature & more