Calendula is a cool season annual that is easily grown from seed.  It is also called Pot Marigold.  Generally orange in color, but Calendula Pacific Beauty and Resina give more visual interest and color.  Flower petals are used fresh or dried in salads and soups, and as a natural food dye for cheese, butter, custards and vinegars. Calendula is also very popular for using in healing salves that are easily made at home.  

To grow your own from seed, sow 1/2" deep directly in early spring and again in late summer to early fall.  Spacing 9 to 12 inches apart in full sun to part shade in compost enriched soil.  Calendula produces more flowers when fed with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer.  Typical height is 12 to 18 inches tall and spent blossoms should be removed to keep up flower production.  Use these petals for making salves. 

Calendula is also an excellent companion plant.  It's open flower structure makes is easy for hover-flies to feed off of.  Hover-flies devour aphids in the garden naturally.

If allowed, Calendula easily re-seeds itself making more beauties the following spring in most areas.  Try growing this used and beautiful herb/flower in your vegetable garden or flower beds.   It's sure to please!