Calendula, often called pot marigold, has been cherished by gardeners worldwide for its adaptability and medicinal uses. The Latin name, Calendula officinalis, highlights its medicinal value. Historically, it has been a staple in flower and herb gardens, particularly in English cottage gardens, for its beauty and practical uses in medicine and cooking. However, its popularity has waned recently, with most cultivation now geared towards the cosmetic and herbal medicine industries.

Here are several compelling reasons to welcome this lovely plant back into your home garden:

1. Calendula’s Beauty: Calendula is versatile and fits well in ornamental, herbal, and vegetable gardens. Its bright yellow-orange flowers bring a cheerful splash of color, and the plant’s compact form thrives with continuous blooming.

2. Easy to Grow and Maintain: Calendula is a hardy plant, considered perennial in mild climates but often grown as an annual. It thrives in USDA Zones 2 to 10, adapting to various conditions. Calendula prefers sunny spots and well-draining soil but isn’t picky about soil type.

3. Attracts Beneficial Predators: Pot marigold has some mosquito repellent properties and attracts beneficial insects like predatory hoverflies, which help control pest populations. It also serves a sacrificial role by attracting aphids away from vegetable plants.

4. Culinary Uses: Known as pot marigold due to its traditional cooking uses, calendula can flavor soups, color butter and cheese, and substitute for saffron in dishes like pilaf. Fresh petals can enhance salads and garnishes, while both fresh and dried petals can be used in baking.

5. Beneficial for Chickens: Adding calendula to chicken feed can darken eggshells and improve yolk color due to increased carotene content. Its antimicrobial properties may also help maintain flock health.

6. Healing Calendula Tea: Calendula tea is rich in medicinal phytochemicals. Approved for both topical and internal use, it’s beneficial for reducing fever, treating stomach issues like IBS and ulcers, and providing relief for mild children’s tummy aches.

7. Skin Benefits: Calendula is renowned for its skin-protective properties. Home-made calendula-infused oils and salves are excellent for treating skin issues like eczema, providing relief from itching and inflammation, and preventing infections.

8. Homemade Healing Salve: A salve made from calendula-infused oil is essential for first aid, useful for treating minor cuts and bruises, keeping wounds sterile, and reducing pain and inflammation.

9. Acne Control: Instead of commercial acne products, use calendula infusions as a natural face wash to cleanse, tone, and reduce skin bacteria.

10. Soothe Diaper Rash and Contact Dermatitis: Gentle and safe for baby skin, calendula tea can be used at diaper changes to soothe and heal nappy rash.

11. Throat Infection Relief: Calendula tea is effective against both viral and bacterial throat infections, reducing inflammation and providing relief.

12. Dental Health: Regular gargling with calendula tea can maintain dental hygiene, prevent bad breath, and treat mouth ulcers.

13. Scalp Benefits: Calendula tea can be used as a hair rinse or massage oil to treat dandruff and scalp inflammations.

14. Pet Care: Calendula is just as effective on animals as humans. It can treat minor skin and stomach issues in pets and is especially good for sunspots and fungal infections.

Growing calendula in your garden will not only add beauty but also provide numerous therapeutic benefits. If you’re inspired to try growing calendula yourself, start with some seeds and enjoy the manifold benefits this wonderful plant offers.