Calendula - Its Benefits, Uses, and How to Grow It

Calendula is easy to grow, has really beautiful orange flowers and makes for an excellent addition to your skin care routine. There are roughly 15-20 different types of Calendula, both annual and perennial. Pot marigold is the type commonly used as skin care. The many delicate petals of Calendula flowers will open up during the day and close up over night, which is why the name Calendula is derived from the latin word for calendar.

I began growing Calendula when I saw seeds at the garden store and was reminded of how my grandmother always had Calendula ointments and oils on hand for scrapes and bruises when I was a kid. My grandmother has always been a wise and inquisitive person, and she holds an amazing amount knowledge of old ways such as this. No matter your ailment, my grandmother can offer you a natural remedy. I was such an animal of a child, always climbing trees, playing in dirt and mud, riding bikes, falling off of things, ending up with scraped knees and hands daily. Calendula tinctures were always there to get my skin patched up and ready for the next adventure.

Calendula is known to have the ability to speed up the healing process of damaged skin, while also preventing infection. This is believed to be due to its ability to stimulate epithelial cell production. Epithelial cells make up the outer surface of the body. The anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have incredible healing abilities, and these facts seem to have fallen under the radar in recent years. With the enormous number of competing skin care companies using artificial ingredients, it seems Calendula has fallen under the radar. It is now an accidental secret, something only those with knowledge of old ways or a newly discovered love of herbal remedies knows about. Such a powerful plant that is easy to grow should be widely known and used by all.

Antioxidants

Calendula's antioxidant properties are displayed in the brilliant orange color of the flowers. These are due to the carotene and carotenoids found in the flowers. The antioxidants protect skin from oxidative stress and have anti-aging properties.

Anti-inflammatory

Calendula contains triterpenoids, anti-inflammatory compounds. During the first world war and the civil war, it was used as an antiseptic for wounds.

Research shows the extract can treat bacterial ear infections, conjunctivitis and other ocular infections.

Anti-microbial

Calendula is an effective remedy for sore throats, gingivitis, tonsilitis, and mouth ulcers due to its anti-microbial and antiseptic qualities. This works well in tea form which can be gargled for soar throat.

For Skin

The benefits for your skin is where this plant really shines. Since it can speed up healing of the skin, it is ideal in an ointment or poultice for wounds, scrapes, cuts and burns. It also makes an amazing daily skin care oil for your face or body. Let's break down some of the major benefits for skin

• Protects skin from UV rays and photoaging

• Stimulates collagen production

• Increases skin elasticity

• Soothes eczema and psoriasis

• Prevents acne

• Protects against pollutants

How to Grow Calendula

Growing your own Calendula and making your own skin products from it is one way to increase your self sufficiency. It saves money and takes the skincare supply chain out of the equation. Plus, you know exactly what is going into your bottle and onto your skin, no guessing game and no ingredients you don't understand.

You can either grow seeds in a greenhouse and transplant them, or sow the seeds outside after the last frost. Check your agricultural zone for last frost dates in your area. If you direct sow them outside, drop a few seeds every 6 inches about 1/2" deep and cover with soil. In starter containers, plant a couple seeds in each container about 1/4-1/2" deep. Keep them moist and use a well draining soil. Seeds should germinate in about a week. Use a healthy and nutrient rich soil but don't over fertilize. Too much nitrogen produces less flowers and more leaves. If multiple seeds germinate, don't thin them, they'll take care of themselves and will be healthier than they will if you try to separate them.

You can plant Calendula in full sun or partial shade. It's an annual plant that will thrive in cooler weather and die off once the summer heat kicks in. Pick flowers regularly to encourage the plant to grow more blossoms. The flowers are rather short lived, so you'll want to dry them as you collect them and store them for use later.

If you want to propagate your own seeds, simply let the a flower or two die and dry out on the plant. The seeds will be ready for collection when dry.

It's pretty simple stuff! Enjoy watching your vibrant Calendula flowers bring pollinators to your garden!