Grown for its bountiful bright blooms and delightful aromatic fragrance, Calendula Officinalis (pot Marigold) is a perennial plant that will reward you with plenty of blooms year-round, from late summer through frost. It will take no special preparations to make this low maintenance perennial attractive and pleasant to the eye, despite its rather large height. Planting your Calendula plant (potted or in a garden planter) will provide you year-round enjoyment, even as you continue to use it as a part of your landscape. You’ll find that because the plant is not bothered much by cold winds, you can enjoy Calendula to grow even at elevations up to 300 feet above ground. In this way, you can enjoy long summer days and pleasant, cool evenings in your garden.

Growing Calendula is a good introduction to English lavender, a classic English flower which has many hybrid varieties. The difference between the various varieties lies primarily in their habit of growth. Of all the Lavender types, the Plantae/Plantago species are the most ‘hands on’ of all and require the most care. A Calendula plant (potted) will need an ample amount of sunlight and water, while the others (irrigation) only need a light tillage to survive.

The Plantae/Plantago species are the most popular indoor plants because they are hardy and disease resistant. If you’re growing a Calendula or a Lavender, it’s best to plant them in pot marigolds that have been treated with an insecticide, otherwise known as TIP. TIP is an abbreviation for Triphala-Inflamed Pot marigolds. These marigolds have been treated chemically to inhibit soil borne diseases, which include Cradle Cap, Botrytis Spira, Fusarium and Coccidiosis. Although there is no documented scientific evidence of their efficacy, using them in your home herb garden can prevent you from being subjected to these diseases.

Marigolds and Calendulas are both short-lived perennial herbs, which thrive in sunny areas. They can be grown in areas with partial shade during the day, where growing conditions are suitable for long-lasting blooms. Both plants are extremely tolerant to drying and sun-burned and will grow equally well in containers or in a raised bed.

These two common names refer to the same plant, the calendula (rosmarinus officinalis) being the common name of the herb while the Latin name is ruscogenes. The plant has been used for ornamental purposes for centuries. It was often mixed with a blend of other aromatic herbs to produce calming and soothing beverages and teas. In the past century, it has become a prized garden plant with its rich history and versatile uses now coming to market.

There are four basic kinds of Marigolds. They range in size from very small (up to 12 inches) to large (up to four feet). Some varieties are very short lived, only lasting one growing season. Other varieties may live for several years before they drop their leaves to the ground for new growth. It’s important to check your growing conditions regularly to keep Marigolds healthy and blooming.

Marigolds come in many colors. Some of the most popular are blue (all types), purple, red, orange and yellow. Because of their distinctive flowers, they are often included in arrangements for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings or anniversaries. When growing calendula, you will also want to provide them with plenty of sun and fresh water. This will ensure that your Calendula herb garden thrives.

Growing your own herb garden is a great way to save money and add an attractive feature to your home. Before starting, however, you should gather all of the necessary information including information on how to grow the best and least expensive varieties and information on the most ideal potting soil, temperatures, sunlight and watering needs of the plants you plan to plant. When you have everything in place, you’ll be ready to begin planting and enjoy those wonderful flowers for years to come.