It’s no accident that calendula resembles daisies, as they are both a part of the same Asteraceae family. Many believe this annual is native to Southern Europe, but it has a long history of cultivation in southern Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region. While this species prefers full sun, it can still tolerate partial shade, and it isn’t picky about soil type. Gardeners know calendula to be a great source of pollen, a useful pest deterrent, and a magnet for attracting biodiversity to gardens. Keep the plant in continuous bloom by removing the flower heads, or deadheading. We suggest buying seeds from Strictly Medicinal Seeds and sowing them directly in early spring. This Oregon seed company has been cultivating organic medicinal seeds since 1985. Their original hand illustrated catalog was sent out with a drawing of a radiant calendula flower, a species they have now been cultivating for over 30 years.
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