The marigold is usually represented in many gardens in Central Europe with the subspecies of the common marigold (Calendula officinalis). It is one of the most uncomplicated summer bloomers, as it blooms very persistently and does not place high demands on the location.

Marigolds are not only beautiful to look at, they are also edible and healthy

The marigold in the profile:

  • Name: Marigold (Latin: Calendula officinalis)
  • Popular names (regionally different): buttercup, gold flower, calendula, dawn, calendula, wartwort, etc.
  • Plant family: daisy family (Asteraceae)
  • Growth height: 30 to 50 centimeters
  • Lifespan: mostly annual, as it is not hardy
  • Flower colors: yellow, orange, reddish
  • Sowing: April to May
  • Location: full sun to half shade
  • Substrate: loose and deep, preferably with clay content
  • Flowering period: June to October
  • Use: as a decorative drug and medicinal plant

What purposes the marigold can serve in the garden

There is a reason why the marigold has been so prevalent in monastery gardens and farm gardens for centuries. After all, it is not only said to have healing properties. The bright yellow and orange flower heads only bloom for a few days each, but constantly reproduce during the flowering period. This is all the more the case if you harvest freshly bloomed flower heads weekly for drying or as a fresh ingredient in salads, as well as cutting out faded flower heads. Since the plant is non-toxic in all parts except for pregnant women, it can be planted around the vegetable and salad bed as a natural barrier against snails and nematodes.

The use of calendula in cooking and natural medicine

Various internal and external uses of marigold flowers have been discovered over the centuries. The tea made from dried flowers is said to relieve liver problems and also have a positive effect on stomach and intestinal ulcers. You can make long-lasting natural medicine from the marigold blossoms by preserving them in the form of ointments and oil extracts. The external use of marigold products to care for irritated skin and to accelerate the healing of wounds and bruises is one of the most important areas of application for this medicinal plant.

tips

While the dried ray flowers of the marigold are often used as a colour-fast decorative drug in tea mixtures, fresh petals can serve as an edible color component in herbal butter. The fresh petals can also be sprinkled on warm dishes just before serving.

Category:

Vegetable garden