The listing, Calendula, Déjà Vu Mix(20+seeds) Multi-use herbal flower has ended.
Calendula flowers/leaves give a fresh, clean scent & are used as an antiseptic, food coloring & mild spice. Calendula does have edible flowers, but it's grown more for its beauty & medicinal value, as it has a high resin content. Blossoms are rich in carotenoid for use as dye. For example, the petals make a nourishing cream for the skin, used as an aid in treating acne and cold sores. An infusion is good for digestion & is said to relieve colitis & symptoms of menopause. A tea made from steeping the petals can be used as a rinse to lighten & brighten hair. Calendula an appealing herb with edible flowers & also makes a great companion plant in the ornamental vegetable garden. In addition to the added color provided by the edible flowers, calendula also serves a useful function in attracting beneficial insects into the garden.
Calendula plants grow quickly & are tolerant of cool temperatures with blossoming continuing well into the fall season. Perfectly shaded for fall, they make a great contrast to Mums. Green leaves are highlighted traditionally by blossoms of yellow or orange in color with dark reddish brown eyes. Newer shades, which are like the ones I'll send include peach, cream, apricot, and bicolor petals.
Growing calendulas is easily accomplished by planting the seeds directly in the soil from early spring through mid summer. To get an earlier start the seeds can be planted indoors in pots & later transplanted to the raised beds.
In the kitchen, calendula petals can be added to salads, steeped to brew teas & used as a food coloring or garnish. The fresh petals are often dried & stored for use during the winter. Calendulas are reputed to have medicinal properties & you can find them commonly included in various salves, creams, soaps, lotions, ointments, tinctures & teas.
They're full sun tolerent, but prefer morning sun / afternoon shade. Blooms will last longer if planted in a prefered spot.