Seeds of Calendula officinalis Calexis Orange - Garden Marigold

The Calendula officinalis Calexis Orange, small in size but with large, original, double flowers, full of pointed and curled petals, brings something new to the world of dwarf Marigolds. Very floriferous, robust, and wind-resistant, it fits perfectly in borders and sunny planters, bringing life for weeks. Sown in March-April, this fast-growing annual will bloom approximately 10 weeks later. Easy to grow in ordinary soil, this plant is accessible to all, whether beginner or experienced gardeners.

The Calendula officinalis Calexis Orange belongs to the asteraceae family, with its characteristic inflorescence in the shape of a daisy called a head. It is a recent variety, which received the gold medal from the Fleuroselect jury in 2019. The annual plant forms a clump of short, branched stems in a few months, giving it a compact appearance. This Calexis Orange variety will reach 30 cm (11.8 in) in all directions. Its lanceolate leaves are velvety and highly aromatic when crushed. Their bright green color provides a beautiful backdrop for its flowers, which are a beautiful pure orange with a brown center. Its flowering starts in June and regularly extends until the end of summer, attracting numerous pollinating insects. Each head measures approximately 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter. It is composed of a center of fertile florets surrounded by numerous long and pointed "petals" that are partially curled, which are actually ligulate flowers gathered in a crown. This crown opens in the sun and closes at night or in cloudy weather. Marigold seeds spread easily in various ways: through the action of the wind, falling to the ground, but also by clinging to clothes and animal fur, as these little crescents are bristly. They self-sow easily, as their germination is not hindered by cold temperatures. Seedlings thrive in all types of soil, as long as they receive ample sunlight throughout the day.

Calendula Calexis Orange is a precious ally for quickly enhancing a border or decorating a sunny terrace. Marigolds naturally find their place in a flowerbed and in a pot, whether alone or in groups. It pairs perfectly with the wide range of dahlias and complements airy grasses. It can be planted in small clusters amidst the gray foliage of artemisias and stachys, with California poppies, red or blue shrubby salvias, cornflowers, or surrounded by greenery, paired with tansies, Kochia childsii, or white, yellow, or red ground cover roses that harmonize with its rich orange hues. Calendula is also an edible flower, to be consumed in moderation, which can be used in salads, soups, or desserts. Some say its flavor resembles that of pepper.

Listed in gardens since the 12th century, Calendula officinalis has virtues that are exploited in various fields. It is first and foremost a dye plant, used as a pigment. But 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. Indeed, Marigold is a great substitute for this spice, coloring rice dishes, stews, soups, and herbal teas. When raw, it flavors 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 numerous pollinating insects.