Marigold orange [Calendula officinalis]

The annual marigold is a very important and versatile medicinal plant with an antiseptic effect in the flowers. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates the regeneration of tissue in wounds. The flowers are edible. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flowers.

 Description 
The marigold is a very old annual and important medicinal plant that comes from northwest Africa. It has been cultivated as a medicinal plant in Central Europe since the 12th century and is now one of the best-known garden and cultivated plants in the world. The healing effect is hidden in the antiseptic effect of its flowers, which is in demand in both natural cosmetics and medicine. Many healing ointments or tinctures contain the special ingredients of the marigold. The special combination of active ingredients has an anti-inflammatory effect and accelerates the regeneration of tissue in wounds. The edible flowers bloom all summer long and can be used as a salad garnish, in herb butter or to thicken soups. An insect buffet.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 0°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-18 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 20x20 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 5-6 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Strawberry, Lettuce, Potato, Pumpkin, Pepper, Parsley, Celery, Tomato, Cabbage
Unfavorable mixed culture: Thyme

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to October is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Marigold does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The species helps to regulate the nematode balance in the soil. Sow marigold with cabbage to maintain healthy soil for a long time. To quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil and mixed planting are sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Calendula officinalis
English names: Marigold, Calendula
German names: Ringelblume, Butterblume, Goldblume, Ringelrose, Morgenröte, Ringelbusch, Warzenkraut
Portuguese names: Calêndula
Spanish names: Caléndula
French names: Souci

 Origin 
Country: Portugal