Growing - Harvesting - Drying Medicinal and Edible Calendula
Calendula, a vibrant and versatile flower, has long been cherished for its healing properties. With its sunny disposition and myriad of therapeutic uses, this beautiful plant has captured the hearts of gardeners and herbal enthusiasts alike.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting into gardening, growing Calendula is a rewarding and beautiful endeavor. Its cheerful blooms can be cultivated in a variety of climates, making it a suitable choice for many gardeners.
Medicinal properties of Calendula
Calendula possesses a wealth of medicinal benefits, making it a valuable addition to any herbal medicine cabinet. The bright orange petals of this flower contain powerful compounds that have been used for centuries to heal a variety of ailments.
One of the most well-known uses of Calendula is in the treatment of skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it an excellent remedy for cuts, burns, and rashes. Applying a Calendula-infused salve or oil to the affected area can help soothe inflammation and promote healing.
In addition to its topical uses, Calendula can also be ingested to support internal healing. It is known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, making it a popular choice for those suffering from digestive issues or inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Calendula tea or tincture can be consumed regularly to harness these internal healing benefits.
Furthermore, Calendula has been found to possess immunomodulatory properties, meaning it can help regulate and strengthen the immune system. This makes it a valuable ally during cold and flu season, as well as for those with weakened immune systems.
Incorporating Calendula into your medicinal repertoire can provide you with a natural and effective way to support your overall health and well-being.
Edible uses of Calendula
Beyond its medicinal uses, Calendula can also be a delightful addition to your culinary creations. The vibrant orange petals of this flower not only add a pop of color to dishes but also impart a subtle floral flavor.
Calendula petals can be used fresh or dried in a variety of culinary applications. They can be added to salads, soups, and stews to provide a burst of color and a hint of sweetness. The petals can also be used to infuse oils, vinegars, and syrups, creating flavorful bases for dressings and marinades.
For those with a sweet tooth, Calendula can be incorporated into baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and muffins. The petals can be used as a garnish or mixed into the batter to infuse the treats with a delicate floral essence.
By adding Calendula to your kitchen repertoire, you can elevate your dishes with its unique flavor profile and reap the nutritional benefits it provides.
Growing Calendula in your garden
Growing Calendula in your garden is a straightforward and rewarding process. This hardy flower can be cultivated in a variety of climates, making it an accessible choice for many gardeners.
Calendula thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade, making it a versatile addition to any garden. It prefers well-drained soil and doesn't require excessive watering. In fact, overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Sowing Calendula seeds directly into the garden bed in the spring is the most common method of propagation.
I have a 4x4 container bed that I sowed a package of seeds into over 10 years ago! Calendula will reseed itself, which makes for very easy success! Just make sure to not harvest all the blossoms, but leave some to reseed.
Harvesting Calendula flowers
Harvesting Calendula flowers is a simple and enjoyable task that allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of this remarkable plant. The best time to harvest Calendula flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in.
To harvest the flowers, gently pinch the stem just below the flower head and pull it away from the plant. It's important to handle the flowers with care to avoid damaging the delicate petals.
Calendula flowers can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season, as long as you leave enough flowers on the plant to ensure its continued growth and blooming. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more blooms, resulting in a more abundant harvest.
Once you've harvested your Calendula flowers, it's time to decide how you'd like to utilize them. I like to always have a fresh bouquet on the kitchen window sill, which makes it easy to choose blossoms to toss into salads.
Drying and storing Calendula flowers
Drying Calendula flowers is a popular method of preservation, as it allows you to enjoy their benefits long after the growing season has ended. To dry Calendula flowers, simply spread them out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. A mesh drying rack or a piece of cheesecloth laid flat on a tray works well for this purpose.
Place the flowers in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to dry. It's important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the flowers to lose their vibrant color and potency. The drying process can take anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on the humidity levels in your area.
Once the flowers are completely dry, gently place them in an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date of harvest to ensure freshness. Properly dried Calendula petals can retain their potency for up to a year.
Calendula oil and salve
Now that you have grown, harvested, and dried your own Calendula blossoms, "Congratulations!" - you are now ready to make your own Calendula oil, and salve!
It is super easy to make, and the results are amazing!
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This is so helpful!! I grew calendula for the first time last year but had a baby mid summer so never really did much with it. I did save some seeds though so this has made me so excited to grow more this year!
I really enjoyed reading this post and looking forward to adding them to my garden this year.
I am saving this post! Hoping to add calendula to my garden this year. I am so new to gardening but love the idea of adding this multipurpose flower.
This is awesome! I had no idea that calendula could do all of this! This is what they should be covering in school, but thankfully my kids and I now have YOU Wendy❤️
Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you're sharing with us. I can't wait to see what all we will learn from you!
This is great stuff! Thank you for taking the time to gather all this good information. Here's hoping that spring comes quickly!