Calendula Plant Profile
Calendula (Calendula
officinalis) also known as Pot Marigold or Poet's Marigold. It is a
half-hardy perennial plant that readily re-seeds itself. It is hardy to USDA
zones 2 to 11.
Plant it in full sun and in well-draining, loamy
soil. Water it only during periods of drought. Deadhead it frequently to
encourage continual blooming. Calendula is also a long-lasting cut-flower.
You should occasionally
weed around the plants and carefully pull out any new seedlings to pot them up
and pass them on to other gardeners.
It was named Herb of the Year in 2008 as it is
both edible and beneficial. Snip off the colorful ends of the flower petals to
add a pretty accent to any salad or as a decoration on baked goods. It has a
very light taste -- like a spicy pale honey. The dried petals can be used to
color broths, cheeses, and butter. They are a thrifty substitute for the much
more expensive saffron spice.
Calendula tends to sulk in the summer heat here
in the Mid-Atlantic US, but that is just a pause in its robust routine. In my
garden plot, I cannot recall any month of the year that it doesn't have a few
blooms opening up. This is a tremendous workhorse that belongs in every edible
and cutting garden.
Calendula: You
Can Grow That!
The
video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant
Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.
Audio, photos, and text by Kathy Jentz
Video and editing by Carrie Peo
➤ If you
enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our
Youtube channel (thank you!)
➤Remember
to TURN ON notifications to know when our new videos are out
➤ FIND
Washington Gardener Magazine ONLINE
~
WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com
~
http://twitter.com/WDCGardener
~
https://www.instagram.com/wdcgardener/
~
Facebook.com/WashingtonGardenerMagazine
~
Podcast: GardenDC
No comments:
Post a Comment