<< RETURN TO FULL LIST OF HERB SEEDS

<< RETURN TO FULL LIST OF EDIBLE FLOWER SEEDS

• a bright hardy annual herb
• adds gorgeous colour to the border or herb garden
• easy to grow and self seeds readily

Calendula has wonderful, colourful, edible flowers, for scattering on salads, and using in baking.  The blooms can also be used to make a nourishing, gardeners cream which is anticeptic and can be used to clean cuts and abrasions and to treat minor skin irritations.  See our recipe at the foot of the page.

Sowing Instructions

Sow: your calendula seeds from April onwards, directly where they are to flower.  Cover seed lightly and water regularly.  When seedlings are large enough, thin them to 20 cm apart.  Alternatively, seeds may be sown indoors in pots in Spring or Autumn.

Aftercare: dead-head regularly to encourage new blooms and continue to water during dry spells.

Harvest: flowers as required and, towards the end of the summer season, allow a few heads to develop seeds. Calendula self-seeds easily.  

Usage: try sprinkling some fresh petal on salads or over ice cream desserts or freeze in ice cubes to add colour to summer drinks.

Gardeners Cream

100g (around 70 flower heads) calendula, roughly chopped
150g emulsifying cream
70ml glycerin
80ml water
a couple of drops of lavender oil

Mix together and gently cook in a bain marie for an hour.  Add the lavender oil and then strain through muslin into a sterilised jar.

Will keep in the fridge for up to a year.

Disclaimer

As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.

herb seeds - calendula seeds - edible flower seeds