Calendula officinalis Bull's Eye

Calendula officinalis 'Bull's Eye' is a recent variety of Garden Marigold awarded at the Fleuroselect competition for the unique shape of its fluffy pom-pom flowers, with a bright yellow colour and contrasting red centre. This annual brings liveliness and generosity to sunny borders and bouquets. Easy to grow in ordinary soil, it should be sown in March-April for a long flowering period from May to September.

Calendula officinalis 'Bull's Eye' is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, with the characteristic flower in the shape of a daisy. It has an upright habit, slightly spreading, and its branched stems are brittle, giving it a bushy appearance. At full maturity, this variety 'Bull's Eye' reaches a height of 45 cm (18in) during flowering and spreads over 30 cm (12in). Its lanceolate leaves are velvety and release a highly aromatic fragrance when crushed. Their bright green colour contrasts with the bright yellow flowers with a red centre. Flowering begins in May and continues regularly until September, attracting numerous pollinating insects. Each head measures approximately 6 cm (2in) in diameter and is composed of a centre of fertile florets surrounded by numerous long 'petals'. These 'petals' are actually ligulate flowers grouped in a crown. The seeds of Calendula officinalis 'Bull's Eye' spread easily in various ways: by wind, falling to the ground, and sticking to clothing and animal hair, as they are equipped with small hooks. They self-seed and their germination is not hindered by cold temperatures. Seedlings adapt to various types of soil, provided they receive sun exposure for a good part of the day.

The generous Calendula Bull's Eye, offering vibrant colours for many months, is delightful when paired with Heleniums, lavenders, Cosmos, and Alliums. This Marigold can be planted in borders and containers, either individually or in groups. It blends beautifully with the extended colour palette of small dahlias alongside neighbouring golden hues of grasses.  Calendula is also an edible flower, which can be added to salads, soups, or desserts. Some say its flavour resembles that of pepper.

Listed in gardens since the 12th century, Calendula officinalis has virtues that are exploited in many fields. It is first and foremost a dye plant, used as a pigment. It is also used in cosmetics, pharmacology, and homeopathy for its soothing, astringent, healing, anti-inflammatory, and hepatic properties, among others. Finally, its nickname of False Saffron comes from its culinary use. Calendula can replace this spice by colouring rice dishes, as well as stews, soups, and herbal teas. When raw, it adds fragrance to cheeses, salads, and even butter. Moreover, it has long been established in vegetable gardens as an ally to other edible plants, as it repels nematodes and attracts many pollinating insects.