Calendula

Growing

Good companion for tomatoes.

Harvesting

Pick at peak, and pick frequently, as soon as the first flower opens. Harvesting flowers, pick as close to the flower as possible.

The best part is, the more flowers you pick, the more flowers your plant will produce. In peak conditions, that might mean every 3-4 days.

Preserving

Drying Calendula is the most popular way to preserve the flowers. Do not wash the flowerheads. Dry small batches, immediately after harvest, in the dark by spreading flowers on a screen. Use of a dehydrator is an option as long as it does not exceed 95'F -- Calendula is very heat sensitive.

They will

Use

• Calendula-infused oils are an excellent way to unlock and use the healing power of the herb
• Salves can be used for cleaning out scrapes and wounds.

Seeds

If you do not harvest the flowers, the plants will dry and wither, and then go to seed.