Calendula

The Calendula plant is native to the Mediterranean area and can be found growing annually. It is a member of the Asteraceae family. There are about 20 species that fall under the Calendula plant. The scientific name is Calendula Officinalis. The common name it goes by is Pot Marigold or Marigold. It has rayed flower heads and can have different colors, with the most common being yellow and orange. However different types of Marigolds have different patterns of the colors. A French Marigold is different from an African Marigold in that it has more orange pattern incorporated in the petals.

The Marigold is said to be easy to grow because it can be grown year around and in most weather conditions. The Marigold seeds grow best in the spring with partial shade or full sun. The flowers will produce for long periods of time up until the point of frost.

Unfortunately insects like the Calendula plant so gardeners must keep watch to be sure the plants are not infested and treat at first sign. Mildew is often common in humid areas and may require treatment also. Calendula smut is a disease which the plant may have. Signs of smut are small brown round spots.http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/calendula.htmhttp://urbanext.illinois.edu/focus/per_calendula.cfm

The Calendula should be planted in the spring time when the weather is cool but the sun is shining. The plants should be watered once or twice a week and fertilized every four to six weeks so the plant can grow strong and healthy. With that treatment the plants then should be blooming by the summer. They best thrive in rich soils full of nutrients. To prevent the plants from being attacked by weeds, it is best to trim them. Also pinching off dead blooms at the bud will help with re-growth. If you want you can spray with non-harmful weed killer but be sure to prune the plants anyway. The plant does not need to be winterized. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5655271_calendula-flower-information.html?ref=Track2&utm_source=askhttp://www.horizonherbs.com/pilot.asp?pg=calendula

The Marigold plant has been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. The flower heads and dried florets of Calendula were typically used in medicine. Other uses include coloring dye and food flavoring. It was first used in Culpepper to relieve headaches, toothaches, swelling and for heart strengthening. During the Civil War and the first World War, Marigold was used to treat cuts on wounded soldiers to prevent infections. The plant has also been used for aromatherapy, to treat eczema, scars, dry skin and other skin irritants. Other than medical use, the plant can also be used in culinary recipes. The name Pot Marigold came from the reference of using Marigold in a cooking pot.