Calendula's Contribution to the Homestead

Calendula is well known within the homesteading community for its medicinal properties. While beautiful and certainly a staple for many home apothecaries, this plant pulls its weight in the garden too. It's not traditionally considered a permaculture powerhouse, however, calendula definitely has much to offer.

• This plant is widely used in the home apothecary and is a member of the marigold family.
• The ‘oficianalis’ variety has the strongest potency for medicinal uses.
• Its petals are edible.
• It makes an incredible companion for carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, asparagus, and more. The scent of this flower masks the smell of these crops, deterring squash beetles, potato beetles, aphids, horn worms and more.
• While it’s not a perennial, this flower readily self seeds and usually has no issue overwintering. Less labor plus extra seeds to sell or share.
• The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, drawing pollinators to nearby crops.
• When allowed to die and decay in place, it can add lots of biomass/organic matter to your garden soil.

​Varieties shown: Ivory Princess, Bronzed Beauty, Sunset Buff