Calendula officinalis Orange Gitana - Marigold

Calendula officinalis 'Orange Gitana' is a compact and floriferous marigold, ideal for ornamental pots, planters, and sunny borders. This variety bears large, fully double bright orange flowers. They last for a long time. Despite its shorter stems, this variety makes an excellent cut flower, as it has a fairly long vase life.

Calendula officinalis 'Orange Gitana' belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a hardy annual herbaceous plant that does not exceed 30cm (12in) in all directions. The flowering begins in June and lasts until the first frosts. Its bright orange flower heads are in the form of flattened pompoms, measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. The flowers open and close, following the course of the sun. Its upright stems carry oblong, fuzzy leaves in an olive-green colour, which are highly aromatic when crushed.

Its foliage emits a strong odour that repels parasites such as aphids, cabbage worms, asparagus worms, tomato worms, Colorado potato beetles, and whiteflies. Moreover, it is a pollinator-friendly plant. It is especially attractive to hoverflies, which are major aphid predators. It is therefore a valuable asset in the vegetable garden, within the framework of organic cultivation. This plant is perfect for gardeners who practice organic gardening.

Calendula officinalis 'Orange Gitana' quickly fills a border or decorates a sunny patio. It looks wonderful in flower beds and pots, whether it be individually or in groups. It pairs beautifully with dahlias and complements airy grasses. It can be planted in small clusters amidst the grey foliage of artemisias and stachys, with California poppies, red or blue shrubby salvias, love-in-a-mist, or surrounded by greenery, combined with tansies, Kochia childsii, or white, yellow, or red ground cover roses that will harmonise with its rich orange hues. Calendulas are also edible, eaten in moderation. The flowers can be used in salads, soups, or desserts. Some consider its flavour similar to pepper.

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.

Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them in a sheltered place (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.