Featured Flower : Calendula (June, 2004)

Calendula : calendula officinalis : hardy annual / reseeding.

Also called "pot marigolds", these study annuals have been used medicinally in salves since the early 1600's.  The flower petals are edible and add bright color to salards.  Many great herbal skin remedies have calendula as a main ingredient.  A well-loved and reliable garden favorite, they range in color from pale yellow to vibrant orange.  They do well in pots and borders.

I started with "Kablona Mix" for its' variety of colors.  So far, it seems to be able to withstand our mild northwest winters without any special protection.  Calendula is easy to grow from seed, and will bloom its' first year.  Thereafter, with a little gathering, saving and redistribution, you never havbe to buy seeds again.  when the flower is done blooming and the petals have fallen off, the seed head is left, and when dried, will yield dozens of curled seeds.  These can then be kept from year to year and started indoors for earliest blooms.

Other great Calendula :

• Flashback
• Pacific Beauty
• Red Splash