Calendula officinalis, also known as common marigold, is an annual plant that is both ornamental and edible. It is presented here as a mix of double and single flowers to sow. Its flowers are bright orange in colour. It is a medicinal plant, and also repels certain insects. Flowering starts in spring and continues regularly until the first frosts. It looks wonderful in flower beds. It also makes an excellent companion plant and can be grown in vegetable gardens where it repels whiteflies and aphids. It is easy to grow in any well-prepared soil, and appreciates the sun. The seeds are from Organic Agriculture.

Listed in gardens since the 12th century, Calendula officinalis has virtues that are used in many fields. It is primarily 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. Its nickname of false saffron comes from its culinary use. Marigolds can replace saffron by colouring rice-based dishes, stews, soups, and herbal teas. Use it raw to flavour cheeses, salads, and butter. Furthermore, it has long been established in the vegetable garden as an ally of other edible plants, as it repels nematodes and attracts numerous pollinating insects.

Its upright, slightly spreading habit is composed of brittle, branched stems that give it a rather bushy appearance. It naturally works well in flower beds and pots, whether isolated or in groups. However, protect it from strong winds. Its lanceolate leaves are velvety and aromatic when crushed. Their green colour forms a backdrop for the vibrant hues of its flowers. With their long semi-double to double petals, which are actually ligulate flowers, they surround a dark and warm central disc. They beautifully animate the garden by opening and closing under the influence of the sun throughout summer. The flowering period will be extended even further if you have a mild climate during autumn. Marigold seeds spread easily in various ways: through the wind, falling to the ground, and clinging to clothing and animal fur with their barbs. They self-seed quite spontaneously, as their germination is not hindered by the cold. Calendula is content with all types of soil, as long as it is in the sun for a good part of the day.

This 50cm (20in) tall calendula blends well with all wildflowers or romantic-looking flowers. It pairs perfectly with light grasses like stipa or panicums. It also works well with asters. Also consider the flat umbels of yarrows, the red or blue of sages, and the grey foliage of wormwoods.