Calendula officinalis is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family that grows wild in the Mediterranean, Asia and Western Europe. Already in antiquity, the Romans and Greeks learned about the healing properties of calendula and began to use it widely in medicine. The fame of the marigold quickly reached Europe, where not only its properties were appreciated, but even considered a symbol of love and constancy in feelings.
What does a marigold look like?
Calendula is an annual herbaceous plant growing up to 70 cm in height.The erect stem and lanceolate, soft leaves are covered with glandular hairs. In May and June, inflorescences in the form of a basket appear on the tops of the shoots. Intensely orange and yellow marigold flowers adorn the beds until late autumn.
Marigolds are widely used, both decorative and healing. Bright flowers look great on flowerbeds as borders or as an element of the composition. Vibrant colors of marigolds contrast wonderfully with the green of conifers and ornamental foliage plants.
Calendula has bactericidal and fungicidal properties, soothes skin and eye irritation. In cosmetics, marigold extracts are part of many soothing and regenerating preparations. But that's not all that calendula has to offer. Its roots secrete substances that repel pests and disinfect the soil. Marigolds planted in the vicinity of asters, strawberries and roses protect them from root rot and aphids. When planted next to onion vegetables, they protect them from nematodes.
Marigold - position
For growing marigolds, sunny places or places with diffused light are suitable. Plants will also do well in the shade, but they will lose their beauty - the stems will be elongated and the flowers will be weakly colored. A quiet and wind-sheltered position with light, humus, moist soil will ensure lush growth of the plants. Marigolds are very tolerant of soil pH and will grow in both acidic and alkaline soil.
Marigold - cultivation
Marigold propagation is very easy, the plant actually spreads itself. After the soil has warmed up, in March and April, the seeds can be sown directly into the ground. Calendula can be sown properly throughout the season, the seeds germinate at a minimum temperature of 10oC after 7-10 days after sowing. The plants will bloom 12 weeks after sowing.
Calendula: care, watering and fertilizing
Calendula has quite large water needs, so watering is a key element of care.It is worth planting the plants in a damp corner of the garden or near the water. Young plants need watering every other day. Ripe and blooming marigolds need watering only on particularly hot, dry days. If the plant is watered frequently, it will develop shallow and weak root systems. As a result, even a short-term drought can completely destroy it. Combine watering with weeding and loosening the soil.
Marigolds do not require fertilization, but they respond well to fertilization for flowering plants. It is important to remember not to feed the plants with nitrogen during flowering. Too much of this element causes the development of green mass at the expense of inflorescences.
Faded flowers should be removed on an ongoing basis, stimulating plants to branch and create new buds. This treatment also extends the flowering of plants. Taking care of the beautiful appearance, you can pinch off the tops of the shoots to stimulate the plant to branch out.
