Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Parts used
Petals, whole flower heads
Region
Cultivated gardens worldwide; Mediterranean origin
Season
June · July · August · September · October
Where it comes from
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean; now a garden flower on every continent.
How it’s been used through history
Medieval European monastery gardens grew calendula as the skin herb, steeping the petals in oil for grazes and chapped hands. It also coloured broths and cheeses, earning the name 'poor man's saffron'.
Lookalike warning
Often mislabelled as French marigold (Tagetes), which is not interchangeable medicinally. Look for sticky, resinous bracts.
Recipes with Calendula
Tap a recipe to see measured ingredients and preparation steps.
For educational purposes only. Not medical advice.