The Versatility of Calendula Marigolds: Beauty, Health, and Garden Benefits
From bright yellow to orange to dark copper – marigold flowers are not just eye-catching, they are also incredibly versatile in the home and garden. However, did you know that the name “marigold” actually refers to two different plant species?
Calendula vs. Tagetes: Two Distinct Marigolds
The first flower known as marigold is Calendula officinalis, also called pot marigold. This variety is widely used in herbal medicine for skin healing, digestion, and immune support. Edible and mildly peppery, calendula flowers make a stunning addition to spring and summer salads. They are also frequently infused into oils and crafted into salves to nourish dry skin. Calendula has a long history of medicinal use, originating in Southern Europe and being cultivated as early as ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and India before spreading to medieval Europe.
The second type of marigold, Tagetes, commonly referred to as French or African marigold, is best known for its pest-repellent properties in the garden. While Tagetes species do have culinary uses, particularly in Mexican and South American cuisine, they tend to be more bitter in flavor. Originally cultivated by the Aztecs in Central America, Tagetes marigolds were considered sacred and used in ceremonies, a tradition that continues in Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations today.
While both types of marigolds offer benefits, this article focuses on the first: Calendula.
Exploring Edible Flowers
If you’re new to eating flowers, start with small quantities to gauge how your body responds. Flowers can be more difficult to digest at first, so introduce them gradually. Their vibrant colors and delicate flavors make them an excellent way to brighten salads, drinks, and desserts. Beyond calendula, here are a few other edible flowers to explore:
- Violas (Johnny-Jump-Ups)
- Nasturtiums
- Roses
- Lavender
- Pumpkin blossoms
- Garlic blossoms
These flowers can be used fresh in salads and beverages, candied for desserts, dried for teas, or even lightly sautéed (such as garlic and pumpkin blossoms).
Why Grow Your Own Edible Flowers?
The best way to ensure chemical-free, high-quality edible flowers is to grow them yourself. Not only will you benefit from fresh, nutrient-rich blooms, but your local pollinators—such as bees and butterflies—will also thrive. Additionally, calendula marigolds are beneficial to pets and livestock:
- Chickens that consume calendula produce healthier, richer-colored egg yolks.
- Horses enjoy snacking on these bright orange flowers.
- For dogs and cats calendula can help with skin irritation and digestion.
- In cows and goats it can improve milk quality.
- For rabbits calendula is a great dietary addition that also supports healthy fur.
Calendula’s Medicinal and Garden Benefits
Calendula has been valued for thousands of years for its numerous healing properties, including:
- Skin & wound care – Infused into oils and salves to soothe cuts, burns, and dry skin.
- Eye care – Traditionally used to ease eye irritation and inflammation.
- Digestive support – Helps to calm the stomach and support digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory properties – Used internally and externally to reduce inflammation.
Beyond its medicinal uses, calendula is also a beautiful and resilient addition to any garden. With flowers ranging from pale yellow to deep copper, they bloom almost year-round in mild climates, making them perfect for gardens and floral arrangements.
How to Grow Calendula Successfully
Calendula is a hardy plant, but it thrives best with proper care. Here’s how to ensure a flourishing crop:
- Soil requirements: Well-draining soil is essential—calendula dislikes soggy conditions.
- Perennial in mild climates – Calendula can survive year-round in warm areas (USDA zones 9-11).
- Annual in colder climates – If you experience harsh frosts, calendula will self-seed and reappear each year.
- Best planting time: In Southern Oregon, start calendula in early fall for blooms the following spring.
- Winter protection: Add a thick layer of mulch (such as fallen leaves) to help plants survive colder months.
Conclusion
Calendula marigolds are more than just beautiful flowers—they offer culinary, medicinal, and ecological benefits. Whether you’re using them in teas and salads, crafting skin-nourishing salves, or simply brightening your garden, calendula is a valuable plant to cultivate. Their resilience, versatility, and health-boosting properties make them a must-have for any home gardener or natural health enthusiast.