The 'Indian Prince' Organic Marigold is a bicolour Calendula officinalis, adding beautiful texture to its flower. The flower is a vibrant orange with a mahogany reverse, which brings a lot of depth, just like the numerous ligules that make up this semi-double flower. Carried by long stems, the flowers are centred around a small brown heart. The plant forms a medium-sized and uniform clump. Grow it in flower beds or in the vegetable garden for its qualities as a companion plant where it repels whiteflies and aphids. Easy to grow in any prepared soil, it thrives in full sun. Seeds from Organic Agriculture.

Listed in gardens since the 12th century, Calendula officinalis has virtues used in many fields. It is first and foremost a dye plant that is used as a pigment. But it is also used in cosmetics, pharmacology, and homoeopathy for its soothing, astringent, healing, anti-inflammatory, and hepatic properties, among others. Finally, its nickname Faux Saffron comes from its culinary use. The Marigold is a great substitute for this spice, colouring rice-based dishes, as well as stews, soups, and herbal teas. Raw, it flavours cheeses, salads, and even butter. Moreover, it has long been established in the vegetable garden as an ally to other edibles, as it repels nematodes and attracts many pollinating insects.

Its upright, slightly spreading habit is composed of brittle, branching stems that give it a rather bushy appearance. The Marigold naturally finds its place in flower beds and in pots, alone or in groups but protect it from strong winds. Its lanceolate leaves are velvety and very aromatic when crushed. Their green colour forms a backdrop to the nostalgic hues of its flowers. Their long semi-double to double petals, which are actually ligulate flowers, surround a dark and warm central disc, adding a lovely touch to the garden as they open and close under the sun all summer long. This period will be extended if you have a mild climate during the autumn. In addition, Marigold seeds spread easily in various ways: by the wind, by falling to the ground, but also by clinging to clothing and animal fur, as these small crescents are barbed. They self-sow quite spontaneously, as their germination is not hindered by the cold. Calendula officinalis is content with all types of soil, as long as it is in the sun for a good part of the day.

The 'Indian Prince' Marigold is a reliable choice in the garden for creating a flowery border or filling a pot on the sunny terrace. It quickly reaches a height of 60 cm and a width of 40 cm. It is a perfect companion for colourful Dahlias and swaying ornamental grasses. Foliage plants like Artemisias or silver-leaved Stachys complement it, as well as flowers with well-drained soil such as Sages, roses, or annual Love-in-a-Mist in a perfect orange and blue duo. The Marigold is also an edible flower, to be enjoyed in moderation, which can be used in salads, soups, or desserts. Some say its flavour resembles that of pepper.