Certified Organic Plant

LONG TERM OUT OF STOCK

SOLD OUT

OUT OF STOCK

AVAILABLE SPRING

AVAILABLE SUMMER

AVAILABLE AUTUMN

AVAILABLE WINTER

WINTER DORMANT

AVAILABLE SOON

Calendula

Name: Calendula - Kahikatea Farm Certified Organic Nursery and Permaculture Farm
Price: 6.50 NZD
Availability: InStock

Calendula officinalis

$6.50

Old fashioned ‘Pot’ or ‘English’ marigold, known as such because it was used in pots of stew, and actually not a true (Tagetes) marigold. Calendula is a small herbaceous plant in the daisy family, known and loved for its yellow or orange flowers which are a constant source of ‘sunshine’ in the garden no matter the time of year (the name originates from the latin ‘calendae’, referring to its ability to flower in any month of the year). Annual or short-lived perennial in warm areas. Height to 50cm. Frost hardy.

9 cm pot

Photos: Kahikatea Farm

Cultivation

A super low maintenance plant, preferring a sunny position in average soil. It will usually self sow freely, yet rarely becomes a nuisance and it is easy to cut back or pull out if you don’t want it (but I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t want it!). May need protection from slugs.

Uses

Calendula is one of those truly multi-functional plants, perfect for permaculture systems. In the garden it may be used as a companion plant or sacrificial crop to entice aphids away from veges, and to attract hoverflies, predatory wasps, and bees. Flowers added to the compost heap are also said to aid quick decomposition of the heap. The leaves and flowers are edible. The leaves are high in vitamins and minerals and can be sauteed or used in soups and stews along with other leafy greens. In Britain was used to flavour stewed birds. The petals are great for decorating salads and garnishing soups and stews. They have been used to adorn and add colour to foods as varied as custards, cheeses, syrups, bread and oatmeal. They can be dried and used as a saffron substitute, put into ice cubes to decorate drinks, or used to make wine.

The petals can also be used to make (edible) dyes, in shades of bright yellow, gold, orange and light brown.

Calendula is the perfect plant for kids to grow – quick, easy, long-lasting flowers and edible. They enjoy mixing up the petals in pots of water to make orange and yellow teas and potions, using the whole flowers and petals for decorations, and harvesting the stems to make posies. Even the beautiful seed heads provide a source of fascination, and are easy to harvest and re-sow.

Medicinal Uses

Calendula is probably one of the best known medicinal herbs, widely used in skin preparations for its soothing and healing qualities, and anyone who’s had kids has probably come across it in ‘baby’s bottom’ creams! It can be made into oils, salves, compresses and poultices for external use, and administered to wounds, burns, scalds, bruises, strains, cuts, swelling, acne, eczema, chickenpox, stings, bites, cold sores, radiation dermatitis and of course nappy rash.

Calendula is also a cleansing and detoxifying herb when taken internally. It has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps, inflammation of the digestive system, constipation and gall bladder issues. It is also taken internally to regulate the menstrual cycle, and as a douche for bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and to aid healing post-childbirth.

Calendula can also be used as a tonic herb to boost immunity and stimulate the lymphatic system.

Primary Actions: anti-inflammatory, astringent, vulnerary, anti-fungal, cholagogue, emmenagogue

Parts Used: whole flower head including the green base, leaves, petals

History / Folklore / Further Info

At one time Calendula was more often taken as part of a magical formula, for example to reveal fairies, or to reveal the ideal match if an unmarried woman had two suitors! The plant hails from Mediterranean regions, and both Romans and Ancient Greeks used it in many of their rituals and ceremonies. The flowers are also considered sacred in India and used to decorate statues of Hindu deities.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.