Calendula officinalis Porcupine Seeds - Pot Marigold

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as Pot Marigold, is a popular, easy to grow annual. 'Porcupine' is an original, award-winning variety that features bright orange blooms with distinctive quilled petals. Renowned for its medicinal qualities, Calendula is a valuable companion plant in the vegetable garden due to its insect repellent properties. Flowering starts about 3 months after sowing and continues for several weeks. Perfect for bringing colour to flower beds, borders and patios! Pot marigolds reseed easily and thrive in a sunny spot in loose, well-drained soil.

Like all members of the Asteraceae family, Calendula officinalis has characteristic daisy-shaped blooms called capitulums. It is a short-lived perennial plant, often treated as an annual. It occurs naturally in the Mediterranean region and naturalizes easily in warmer climates. 'Porcupine' forms a clump of sparsely branched, delicate stems. At full maturity, they measure about 45 cm tall in full bloom for a spread of about 30 cm. The velvety, lanceolate leaves release an intense aroma when crushed, often deemed rather unpleasant. Their solid green colour provides a perfect backdrop for the cheerful orange flowerheads. Depending on when they are sown, marigolds flower from spring until the first frosts, attracting countless pollinating insects. Each flower head is about 8-10 cm in diameter. It is made up of fertile, central disc flowers surrounded by a crown of long 'petals', which are actually called ray flowers. The flower heads open in the sun and close at night or on gloomy, overcast days. The seeds are contained in a curved, prickly seed head (achene). Marigolds reseed easily. Their germination is not hindered by the cold and the seedlings are content with all types of soil, as long as they get their fair share of sunshine!

With their bright, cheerful blooms, marigolds are invaluable for quickly decorating flower beds and sunny patios. They fit into naturalistic borders as well as more sophisticated flower beds, blending well with California poppies, red or blue salvias, love-in-a-mist and the grey foliage of wormwood and stachys. The bright yellow or orange flowers harmonise well with white, yellow and red ground covers roses. Calendula officinalis flowers are edible. They have a bright, peppery flavour and can be added to soups, salads and desserts. Calendula officinalis has been grown for centuries for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Its flowers can also be used to create natural yellow-orange dye.

Good to know: Calendulas repel root knot nematodes whilst attracting beneficial pollinating insects, making them an excellent companion plant in the vegetable garden.