Color Challenge: Orange Tuesday - Calendula Bon Bon (Pot Marigold)

A beautiful bright orange, double daisy after the rain.

There are about 20 species of these beautiful daisies to brighten up your garden. The name “Calendula” comes from Latin meaning “Little Calendar.” They are used as a herb and also for cosmetic products. It was a very popular plant in ancient Greece as it was used in rituals and ceremonies.

This is a beautiful double daisy that comes in different shades of cream orange and yellow. This flower originates from Europe and the Mediterranean regions. They are fast growers, long bloomers and bushy. These flowers are edible and give a nice look and taste in salads. The petals can be used when dried in the place of Saffron, it is a colourant they often use for cheese and butter to give it that rich yellow look.

It is always best to germinate the seeds indoors in a warm place of about 21 degrees Celsius with enough sunlight for 2-3 week before planting them out. You can plant these flowers in pots, in herb and veggie gardens or use them to create a beautiful colourful border.

They need full to partial sun and moist, well drained, fertilised soil. Grow best in temperatures of 10-15 degrees Celsius, so excellent for the South African winters. You need to feed them often. They reach a height of 25-30cm.

Enjoy planting!!!

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