Calendula

Approximate seeds per pound: 72,575
Seeding rate: 4 pounds per acre
Height: Up to 2 ft.
Flower Color: Orange to yellow
Plant Type: Annual. Lives just one year. Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground.
Flower Type: Daisy-like
Bloom Time: Early and mid-season
Is this wildflower invasive? No
Is this wildflower endangered? No
Is this wildflower edible? Yes
Is this wildflower medicinal? Yes
Regions: All regions of North America.
Zones: 3 - 10
Soil preference: Adaptable
Sun/Shade: Needs full sun.
Moisture Requirements: Average moisture, well-drained.

Calendula is an annual or short-lived herbaceous perennial growing from 1 to 3 feet tall. Calendula makes flowers of orange or yellow, with single rows of petals or “doubles”—they glow like the sun. Wild calendula is easy to grow, and makes good color in a meadow setting. Often reblooms late in fall and is somewhat frost-tolerant. Will grow quickly, blooms heavily, dies with the first heavy frost. Will grow in all regions of North America. Calendula is one of the few wildflowers that likes a shallow covering for seed germination.

Calendula is usually used externally for its antiseptic and healing properties in treating skin infections, cuts, punctures, scrapes, burns and chapped or chafed skin or lips. The tea or the tincture in water can be swished and swallowed in order to help heal oral lesions, sore throat, or gastric ulcer. Calendula has a good history of external use in the treatment of varicose veins. The fresh flowers are masticated, reduced to a paste with water in a blender, or rubbed directly onto affected areas. The dried flowers are best made into an aromatic infused oil, tea, or tincture.