How to Grow, Harvest, Dry and Use Calendula Flowers: A Complete Guide
by: Ashley ScottPosted on:

How to Grow, Harvest, Dry and Use Calendula Flowers: A Complete Guide

Learn everything about calendula flowers – from growing and harvesting to making oil and salve. Discover the numerous benefits and uses of this versatile medicinal plant.

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, is a versatile and beautiful flower with numerous medicinal properties. This comprehensive guide will walk you through growing, harvesting, and using calendula, along with its many benefits and how to make calendula oil and salve.

Growing Calendula

A close-up of healthy calendula plants in a garden, with vibrant yellow and orange blooms standing out against rich green foliage. The flowers are bathed in soft sunlight, highlighting their natural beauty. The soil is well-tended, with small signs indicating "Calendula" in a charming, rustic style. A hand gently tending to the plant or watering it with a vintage-style watering can could be added for a touch of care and gardening detail.

Planting Requirements

Calendula is relatively easy to grow:

  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Well-draining, moderate fertility
  • pH: 6.0-7.0
  • Growing zones: 2-10

How to Plant

  1. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow
  2. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep
  3. Space plants 6-12 inches apart
  4. Seeds germinate in 5-15 days

Care Tips

  • Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Harvesting Calendula

A gardener’s hands gently cutting calendula flowers from the plant using garden shears, with a wicker basket nearby filled with freshly harvested bright yellow and orange calendula blooms. The scene takes place in a sunlit garden, with green foliage and multiple blooming calendula plants in the background. The flowers appear full and vibrant, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and productive, capturing the essence of harvesting.

When to Harvest

  • Harvest flowers when fully open
  • Best time is mid-morning after dew has dried
  • Collect throughout the growing season

How to Harvest

  1. Pick flowers at the base of the flower head
  2. Gather only the healthiest blooms
  3. Leave some flowers for continued blooming and seed production

Drying Calendula

A rustic scene showing calendula flowers laid out on a mesh drying rack, their bright yellow and orange petals spread evenly in the sunlight. The drying rack is placed in a cozy outdoor or indoor setting, with a soft breeze gently flowing through. Some dried calendula flowers are hanging in small bunches from a string. A close-up of a few dried petals next to fresh blooms shows the drying process. The overall mood is natural and calming, reflecting the careful preservation of the flowers.

Air Drying Method

  1. Spread flowers on a drying screen or hang in bunches
  2. Place in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area
  3. Keep out of direct sunlight
  4. Flowers are dry when crisp to touch (usually 1-2 weeks)

Dehydrator Method

  1. Arrange flowers on dehydrator trays
  2. Set temperature to lowest setting (95°F/35°C)
  3. Dry for 12-24 hours until crisp

Calendula Benefits

A visually appealing flat lay featuring calendula flowers in various forms, highlighting their benefits. In the center, bright yellow and orange fresh blooms, along with dried petals, are spread out. Surrounding them are small jars of calendula-infused oil, a container of calendula salve, and a tea cup with calendula petals floating inside. Small labels or text icons next to the items indicate their uses: "Anti-inflammatory," "Wound healing," "Skin soothing," "Immune support," etc. The scene is natural and herbal, evoking a sense of holistic wellness and traditional remedies.

Calendula offers numerous health benefits:

  1. Anti-inflammatory properties
  2. Wound healing
  3. Skin soothing
  4. Antimicrobial activity
  5. Immune system support

Traditional Uses

  • Treating minor skin irritations
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Supporting digestive health
  • Promoting oral health

Making Calendula Oil

A cozy kitchen setting with a glass jar filled halfway with dried calendula flowers, and a bottle of olive or coconut oil being poured over the flowers. Nearby, a double boiler setup is shown gently heating calendula flowers submerged in oil for the quick infusion method. A cheesecloth is laid out next to a small bowl for straining, along with a clean jar ready for the final calendula oil. The scene is warm and inviting, emphasizing the simplicity and natural process of making calendula oil at home.

Ingredients Needed

  • Dried calendula flowers
  • Carrier oil (olive, coconut, or almond oil)
  • Clean glass jar with lid

Cold Infusion Method

  1. Fill jar 1/2 to 2/3 with dried calendula
  2. Cover completely with oil
  3. Seal and place in a sunny window
  4. Shake daily for 4-6 weeks
  5. Strain through cheesecloth

Quick Infusion Method

  1. Place flowers and oil in a double boiler
  2. Heat on low for 2-3 hours
  3. Strain and cool

Making Calendula Salve

A bright and inviting kitchen scene featuring the process of making calendula salve. In the foreground, a double boiler is gently melting beeswax, with a measuring cup nearby holding calendula-infused oil ready to be added. A small bowl of essential oils and a bottle of vitamin E oil sit next to the setup. The mixture is being stirred with a wooden spoon, and empty containers are arranged on the counter to receive the salve. The atmosphere feels cozy and homemade, showcasing the natural ingredients used in the process.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup calendula-infused oil
  • 1 oz (28g) beeswax
  • Essential oils (optional)
  • Vitamin E oil (optional preservative)

Instructions

  1. Melt beeswax in a double boiler
  2. Add calendula oil and stir until combined
  3. Remove from heat
  4. Add essential oils and vitamin E if using
  5. Pour into containers and let cool

Using Calendula

A visually engaging collage showcasing various uses of calendula in skincare, internal remedies, and culinary applications. In one section, a hand applies calendula oil or salve to a minor cut, with fresh calendula flowers in the background. Another section features a steaming cup of tea with dried petals steeping, alongside a tincture bottle. A third section displays a colorful salad, soup, and a slice of baked goods garnished with bright calendula petals, emphasizing their culinary uses. The layout should be vibrant and inviting, reflecting the versatility and benefits of calendula.

Skincare Applications

  • Apply oil or salve to:
    • Minor cuts and scrapes
    • Dry or chapped skin
    • Insect bites
    • Mild burns

Internal Uses

  • Tea: Steep dried petals in hot water
  • Tincture: Add to water or take directly

Culinary Uses

  • Add petals to:
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Rice dishes
    • Baked goods

Common Problems and Solutions

Growing Issues

  • Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation
  • Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap
  • Poor Blooming: Ensure adequate sunlight

Storage Tips

  • Store dried flowers in airtight containers
  • Keep oil and salve in dark glass containers
  • Use within 1 year for best potency

Conclusion

Calendula is a remarkable plant that offers both beauty and healing properties. Whether you’re growing it for its cheerful blooms, medicinal benefits, or both, this versatile flower is a valuable addition to any garden and natural medicine cabinet. By following this guide, you can successfully grow, harvest, and use calendula to create your own healing preparations.

Remember to always do a patch test before using any new herbal preparation and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen. Happy growing and crafting!

For more gardening tips and  plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com

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