
This short lived tender perennial is native to southern Europe and North Africa but has naturalized in much of Europe where it is grown as an annual. . It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisies, sunflowers, and lettuce. The aromatic leaves are two to seven inches long and hairy. The single or double flowers are up to four inches across and may be yellow, orange, gold, cream or bicolored with dark centers. The plants bloom from early spring to frost and were believed to be in bloom on the first day of every month, the Kalends in ancient Roman times, hence the genus name, Calendula. Pot marigold does well in a wide range of soils in full sun or partial shade but does not do well where summers are hot. The plants are generally disease and pest free, and can be propagated by seed or cuttings in summer. They profit from occasional feeding, pinching to promote bushiness, and deadheading to prolong bloom. In USDA zones 8-10 pot marigold can be grown for winter color. Plants self sow. Both leaves and flowers can be used in cooking although the flowers are preferred. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Early Christians called Calendula Mary’s gold and they placed the flowers around statues of Mary in place of coins. The legend goes that the during the flight into Egypt, robbers set upon the Holy family. They seized Mary’s purse and when they opened it found golden flowers, that is Mary’s gold. In the Middle ages, calendula was called Mary-bud and dedicated to the Virgin Mary because it bloomed at Ladytide, all the festivals in honor of Mary and provided the most abundant amount of golden flowers. In England, Calendula was known as Our Lady’s Dowry. Another legend says Mary offered her golden coins to the poor.
As the connection between Mary to marigolds has gone on it has taken on new attributes. The golden petals seen as the rays of light crowning her head. The golden color has become symbolic of Mary’s giving of herself to God’s plan. Other traditions see Calendula as a symbol of Mary’s simplicity and domesticity and sometimes associated it with her sorrows.