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.English marigold Species: Calendula officinalis Family: Compositae Common name: English marigold Height: 60-90cm (20-30 inches) Grow as: annual Flowering period: July-October A colourful and popular annual plant best for large displays and direct sowing. Use packetseeds.com colour mixture—semi double and double flowers in shades of orange and yellow, 95 pence per packet. Calendula officinalis is a native of southern Europe, where it was grown for its medicinal properties as early as the 12th century. The name derives from the Latin calendae, referring to the continuous flowering nature of the plant. A sturdy plant of branching habit, it grows to a height of 60-90cm (20—30 in.). The flower heads are 6-9cm (3—4 in.) across and are borne on long, firm stems. Bright colours in shades of yellow and orange, semi-double to double flowers. Calendula is an adaptable plant and does well in practically any soil in a sunny position. Calendula is often used for mixed beds in gardens as well as in separate groups in parks. The glowing colours are very attractive even from a great distance. The flowering period may be extended by removing the blooms as soon as they have faded. If seed is allowed to ripen the blooms that appear later are semi-double or single and the plant finally ceases to bear new flowers. Large double blooms for cutting may be obtained by removing all side growths. The English marigold is very popular for cut flowers, they will last 5 to 8 days in water. However, the flowers should be cut before they are fully open. Sowing: The seeds should be sown in April outdoors where they are to flower and the plants thinned to 30—40cm (12—16 in.) apart, but they may also be sown in a cold frame. The seedlings root very well and in the case of plants sown outdoors those that have been thinned out may be transplanted to other positions. For earlier flowering the seed may be sown in autumn, and plants grown on under protection. |
