Calendula officinalis 'Citrus Smoothies'

©2004

ENGLISH MARIGOLD, POT MARIGOLD
Family: Asteraceae
Pronounced: kal-END-yew-la, o-fih-shih-NA-lis

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: Garden.
Plant Group: Annuals.
Mature size: Height: 20-24 inches (50-64 cm). Width: 12-18 inches (30-75 cm).
Flowering period: Summer into fall.
Flowering attributes: A mix of colors from apricot to yellow. Daisy-like flowers can reach sizes up to 4 inches across.
Leaf attributes: Lance to spoon-shaped, fragrant, green leaves.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
Feeding: Add a complete organic fertilizer when planting.
Propagation Methods: Sow outdoors in spring in well-cultivated soil 1/2 inch deep. In a cool greenhouse, sow seed in pots in February for earlier flowers. At 70°F (21°C), germination takes 10 to 14 days. Cover seed well in view of the fact that calendula seeds germinate better without light.
Pests and Diseases: Rust, gray mold, cucumber mosaic virus, powdery mildew, aphids and whiteflies may be a problem. I have yet to see the preceding list of diseases or pests be a problem in my Northwest garden. Protect young plants from slugs and snails until they are settled in.

Rainy Side Notes

Calendula, Pot marigolds or English marigolds as they are sometimes called, should not be confused with marigolds–the Tagetes species and hybrids. Although no longer in use, Jackanapes-on-horseback was one of its common names. Calendulas are bright and colorful and a good choice for the cutting garden. They bloom for a very long period if the flowers are continually deadheaded to keep them from producing seed. ‘Citrus Smoothies’ is a mix of colorful annuals selected for their large flowers and colors of lemon yellow to apricot.

Pot marigolds are cool-loving annuals, so they are suitable for our cool maritime climate. If properly hardened off with at least a week of 40°F (4°C) temperatures, the plants can tolerate light freezes.

Romans observed many of the species flowered regularly or “in the calends,” calend meaning the first days of a Roman month. The Pot marigolds were officially named by Linnaeus centuries later, although he used the same name, Calendula, that was given to the plant, by Romans, centuries before his time.

Calendulas were known in Mexico as the flower of death, as it would spring up in disturbed areas after a war. Romans used the flowers to cure warts. During the seventeenth century, the plant was used as treatment for jaundice, measles and small pox, and only because the flower was yellow! Today lotions are made from the flowers and used as a salve for everything from cuts to diaper rashes.

The flower petals are edible in small quantities, and are used fresh as garnish in salads or other food applications. Be careful to eat only a small measure, as ingesting large amounts can be harmful.

Tell a friend about this page!

Questions, comments or suggestions? Would you like to communicate with other Pacific Northwest gardeners? Please join us on our forum.

Back to the Annuals and Biennials Index