Stroll through any garden, and you might be lucky to spot calendula officinalis — with its vibrant orange and yellow petals radiating just like miniature suns. Often mistaken for the common marigold, this bright flower has been cherished for centuries for its powerful healing properties, culinary charm, and symbolic significance across cultures.
Scientifically known as Calendula officinalis, this member of the daisy family has been called “pot marigold,” “Mary’s gold,” and “Herb of the Sun,” among other names. But no matter what you call it, calendula’s legacy is deeply rooted in both modern herbalism and folk traditions.
With its bright blossoms, slightly sticky stems, and long blooming season, calendula brings color and purpose to gardens and in the kitchen from early spring to the first frost — a true ally for both body and soul.
The Golden History of Calendula Officinalis
Calendula has a rich history that glows as bright as its petals.
Ancient Egyptians valued calendula for its rejuvenating properties, using it in skin treatments and religious ceremonies. In Greek and Roman times, it adorned crowns, altars, and feasts, often associated with sun deities and festivals.
Medieval European herbalists turned to calendula for everything from healing wounds to protecting against the plague. Its presence in church gardens and apothecaries was so widespread that it became known as the “herb of the sun,” believed to chase away darkness — both literal and metaphorical.
Calendula is a beloved edible flower of the kitchen. Chefs add its petals to soups, stews, and salads — hence the nickname “pot marigold” — for both color and a subtle peppery flavor. In times when saffron was far too expensive, calendula stood in as a worthy replacement.
Folklore tells of using calendula in love potions, dreaming of one’s true love by placing petals under the pillow, and even divining the weather by watching whether its blossoms opened in the morning. If calendula failed to bloom, rain was on the way — an herbal barometer in bloom.
Where Calendula Thrives
Calendula originally hailed from southern Europe and the Mediterranean, but its adaptability has allowed it to travel far beyond its native region. It now thrives in gardens and meadows across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Unlike many delicate flowers, calendula prefers a bit of roughness. It grows best in average soil, full sun, and with minimal watering. In fact, too much pampering can lead to fewer blooms. Like many of the best things in life, calendula blooms brightest when left a little to its wild nature.
Thanks to its long flowering season and ability to self-seed, calendula can feel almost eternal in the garden. One well-placed patch will usually return again and again — a perennial in spirit and by definition.
The Healing Benefits of Calendula
Calendula’s healing gifts are abundant. Herbalists across the world have long turned to this plant for skin care, wound healing, and to help reduce inflammation — and modern science is catching up.
- Skin soother: Calendula’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities make it a go-to for cuts, scrapes, rashes, and minor burns. It helps stimulate tissue repair and reduce swelling.
- Nourishes the skin: Used in creams and oils, calendula hydrates dry or sensitive skin and eases conditions like eczema and diaper rash.
- Heals from the inside: Taken internally as a tea or tincture, calendula supports digestive health and may help reduce inflammation in the gut lining.
- Antifungal and antimicrobial: Calendula helps fight off minor infections and is often used to treat fungal conditions like athlete’s foot or candida.
- Menstrual health: Calendula has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease cramps, earning its place in many women’s herbal formulas.
Remarkably, calendula’s healing reputation spans the globe — from Ayurveda to European folk medicine, echoing a universal recognition of its gentle, effective powers.
Stories and Symbolism
More than just medicine, calendula officinalis is steeped in symbolism and sacred meaning.
In Christian folklore, calendula was associated with the Virgin Mary, often used to decorate altars and referred to as “Mary’s gold.” It became a flower of devotion and purity, appearing in religious paintings and sacred gardens.
In Mexico, calendula (or a closely related variety) plays a central role in Día de los Muertos celebrations, believed to guide the spirits of the dead back to their families with its bright color and strong scent. It’s a flower of memory, of grief, and of connection between the worlds.
In old European lore, calendula was considered protective — planted near homes to ward off evil, added to love charms to draw affection, and brewed in teas to bring visions or prophetic dreams. It was a flower of both magic and medicine.
Growing Calendula at Home
Calendula may just be one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow at home.
Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, or start indoors a few weeks earlier. Calendula loves full sun and will bloom steadily until the first hard frost. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages even more blooms, and its generous nature means you’ll have plenty to share.
Even in pots or balcony planters, calendula does well — just make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and drains well. Once it’s established, calendula is fairly drought-resistant and requires little care.
To harvest, pick the fully opened flowers in the morning once the dew has dried.
Dry them in a warm, dark place and store them in airtight containers for use throughout the year.
Creative Uses for Calendula Officinalis
Calendula’s gifts go far beyond beauty and medicine. Here are a few simple ways to bring its sunshine into your daily life:
- Infused oil: Soak dried petals in a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba) for 4-6 weeks, then strain. Use this gentle oil on skin irritations, or turn it into a homemade salve or lip balm.
- Herbal tea: Brew dried calendula petals for a mild, slightly earthy tea that supports digestion and soothes inflammation.
- Colorful garnish: Sprinkle fresh petals on salads, soups, or desserts for a splash of edible color.
- Natural dye: Calendula petals can be used to dye fabrics or handmade paper in warm golden tones.
- Soothing bath: Add a handful of dried calendula to your bath for a relaxing, skin-softening soak.
- Pet care: Calendula’s gentle nature makes it suitable for soothing minor skin issues in pets too — from hot spots to itchy paws.
From ancient rituals to modern remedies, calendula continues to shine as a botanical treasure. Its petals hold centuries of wisdom, yet its lessons remain timeless: Healing can be gentle, beauty can be practical, and some of the most powerful medicines bloom quietly beneath our feet.
Whether you grow it, sip it, or simply admire it, calendula offers a radiant reminder of nature’s generosity — one sunny flower at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calendula Officinalis
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is often called “pot marigold,” but it is different from the ornamental marigold (Tagetes species) commonly seen in flower beds.
Yes! Calendula is gentle and often used to soothe eczema, diaper rash, and irritated or dry skin.
Dry the petals, infuse them in a carrier oil like olive or jojoba for 4–6 weeks, then strain and store in a dark glass container.
