In some countries Calendula officinalis is referred to as “pot marigold”, but the plant I call marigold is Tagetes patula, or French marigold (Tagetes erectus is African marigold, although both originate in North America), and I call the other one calendula (originating from the Mediterranean). Fortunately, both of the flowers are edible, so it doesn’t really matter if you get them mixed up! They both have blooms ranging from yellow to dark orange, and they both self-seed and come up all over my garden, mainly in spring and autumn. And while we’re on the subject of Tagetes, I also grow Tagetes lucida, known as Winter Tarragon or Mexican Marigold, as a perennial in a pot.
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| Marigold |
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| Calendula (Pot Marigold) |
The winter tarragon is also lovely in tea, is has an anise flavour, apparently its similar to tarragon, but I don’t have any tarragon to compare it to (the calendula and marigold petals don’t add much flavour to tea). The yellow flowers can also be used for tea, but my plant has only just set flowers so I haven’t tried this yet (I want to save these flowers for seed). I hadn’t read much about this plant in my herb books, but a quick google search has revealed some surprising properties. I personally have not noticed any psychoactive effects! But then I don’t smoke it or use it in large quantities either. Apparently it can be used as a treatment for strike by lightning (have to remember that one), and also can be added to bath water. That last one is serious, I have been adding various herbs to bathwater lately and it can be quite pleasant to have a nice smelling bath, I’ve been thinking about preparing a jar of “bath tea” to keep in the bathroom (as I never remember to have the fresh herb ready at the appropriate time). If you don’t have a bath, you can fill a wide bucket with warm water and have a foot bath instead.
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| Winter Tarragon - nice in the bath |
The flowers of all three plants can be used as a natural yellow/orange dye or food colouring.
Do you grow any marigolds, calendulas or tagetes spp? (spp means several species, I’m getting fancy with the nomenclature now!) How do you use them?
Do you grow any marigolds, calendulas or tagetes spp? (spp means several species, I’m getting fancy with the nomenclature now!) How do you use them?
How I use herbs - Aloe Vera
How I use herbs - Basil
How I use herbs - Ginger, galangal and turmeric
How I use herbs - Marigold, calendula and winter taragon
How I use herbs - Lemon balm
How I use herbs - Soapwort
How I use herbs - Comfrey
How I use herbs - Nasturtium
How I use herbs - Parsley
How I use herbs - Borage
How I use herbs - Herb Robert
How I use herbs - Purslane
How I use herbs - Chickweed
How I use herbs - Neem oil
How I use herbs - Rue, tansy and wormwood
How I use herbs - Brahmi
How I use herbs - Yarrow
How I use herbs - Arrowroot
How I use herbs - Lucerne (afalfa)
How I use herbs - Lavender
How I use herbs - Rosemary and Thyme
How I use herbs - Oregano or Marjoram
How I use herbs - Sweet Violet
How I use herbs - Gotu Kola
How I use herbs - Lemongrass
How I use herbs - Coriander (or cilantro)
How I use herbs - Dill
now that is interesting, because I have made comfrey salve and have been interested to try calendula, but it just does not like my climate. Calendula is supposed to be soothing for insect bites, and my grandchildren always seem to get a mozzie bite or two. I can grow marigolds, so it seems as though I am all set. thank you for all your research and information you put into your posts.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, enjoy make salve :)
DeleteI grow them but only use the calendula petals in a salad as a garnish. The rest I grow around other plants in the hope their smell will confuse less than beneficial insects and then they're great for adding to compost.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers will also feed beneficial insects that prey on the less than beneficial ones :)
DeleteWow, I never knew you could also use them as dye's...thanks so much for sharing that! (I stumbled this post also)
ReplyDeleteIts so interesting when you start looking at how to use herbs!
DeleteDoes your Marigold 'stink' (smell strongly)? I have a Marigold spp that looks identical to your first picture and I've nicknamed it 'stinking marigold'. I grow it in the garden to discourage insects from my greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, etc). I didnt realise it was also edible. Does it taste ok in a tea?
ReplyDeleteHi Alisha, yes the marigold does have a strong smell, but I don't notice the taste in tea, I usually have a mixture of herbs in tea, mint and lemongrass cover the more bitter herbs.
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