Calendula, Sunshine Mix
(Calendula officinalis) – Annual or short-lived perennial in the Aster Family. Known to the Romans, who named it “calendula” after their word for “month”, since it seemed to bloom year-round; the last photo shows Calendula at Eloheh in December after several hard frosts. Plants grow 1-3 feet high. This mix features blooms mostly in solid yellow and solid orange, though a few streaky or part-albino flowers may appear as well. Flowers the medicinal portion of the plant, and are used for topically for skin conditions, abrasions, and bruising.
Cultivation & harvesting suggestions: Direct-sow in garden after danger of frost has passed. Not particular about soil type, though we have seen them stay stunted in poor soil. Thin to 12-18″ apart. Harvest flowers after they have opened, but before they have begun to decline. Pick and discard blossoms that have gone too far if you want new flowers to open. If you are serious about wanting flowers for medicine, you will need to pick nearly every day during the peak season. Dry flowers on screens out of the sunlight and store in airtight containers until you have enough to make salve, or whatever preparation you want. Seeds are very easy to collect; the seeds will turn dry and brown and crumble right off the head when ready. Ours self-sow easily.
50 seeds per order.
