Ahhh, the warm glow of Calendula. He opens his colorful petals as the sun rises in the sky, and his petals close as the sun fades. In fact, his name comes from the Latin calendae, which translates to “the first” as he can serve as a marker of time. He has a deep taproot and is not at all temperamental. He can be neglected, and still brighten when you come by. It is simply his nature to grow wherever he is planted. He is a very patient teacher and installs a wonderful sense of happy calm. His leaves fall in a spiral arrangement. About three inches long, they are simple and slightly hairy on both sides. He has the manner of someone young, but bright. His leaves may be gently toothed. He is not one to harshly criticize or scold but he will tell you the truth. The Calendula flowers range from pale yellow to deep orange and follow the sun, gathering in those warming energies. His blossoms consist of both ray florets (trident and female) and disc florets (tubular and hermaphrodite). In general, the central disc florets are more intense in color than the peripheral ray florets. His flowers may close when it is going to rain. Calendula does not want to hold on to that which does not still serve you.  If you remove his dying flower heads, he will boost his blossom production. Calendula is gentle, kind, healing, and optimistic. He is a friend to anyone in a delicate place from birth to mourning. He is the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Magic of Calendula

The Medicine of Calendula

Science of Calendula