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English Marigolds

Calendula officinalis

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameEnglish Marigolds

DescriptionCheerful annual featuring bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers with a distinctive resinous scent. Despite the name, not a true marigold (Tagetes) but a calendula, valued for centuries as both ornamental and medicinal herb. Petals are edible and used in salads, teas, and as saffron substitute, while flowers have extensive healing properties for skin care and wound treatment. Easy to grow, self-seeds readily, and blooms prolifically in cool weather, making it a cottage garden staple.

FamilyAsteraceae

GenusCalendula

TribeCalenduleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaRay florets - Br % ♀ K0 C∞ A0 G(2), Disk florets - Br ⊕ ⚥ K0 C(5) A(5) G(2)

Composite flower head (capitulum). Ray florets - Bracteate, bilaterally symmetrical, female, no sepals (modified to pappus or absent), numerous fused petals forming strap-shaped ray, no stamens, 2 fused carpels with inferior ovary. Disk florets - Bracteate, radially symmetrical, bisexual, no sepals, 5 fused petals forming tube, 5 fused stamens, 2 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features

Name 'Calendula' from Latin 'calendae' (first day of month) as plant blooms nearly every month in mild climates. 'Officinalis' means 'of the workshop/pharmacy,' indicating medicinal use. 'Pot Marigold' from use in cooking pots. 'English Marigold' distinguishes from Mexican marigolds (Tagetes). Cultivated since ancient times
Flowers 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) across, composite heads with numerous ray florets surrounding disc florets. Colors range from pale yellow to deep orange, some with darker centers. Single forms have one row of petals; doubles have multiple rows creating full, pom-pom appearance. Resinous, slightly musky scent
Annual that blooms spring through fall in cool climates (March-November), winter through spring in warm climates. Prefers cool weather, struggles in heat. Flowers close at night and on cloudy days. Self-seeds prolifically. Deadheading prolongs blooming
Grows 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 8-12 inches. Bushy growth habit. Lifespan of one growing season (annual). Propagated from seed (sow direct in fall or early spring, germinates in 7-14 days). Self-sows readily
Native to southern Europe and Mediterranean region. Cultivated since ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Now naturalized in temperate regions worldwide. Found in gardens, fields, and disturbed areas. Prefers cool, temperate climates
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Thrives in cool weather (50-70°F/10-21°C). Adapts to most well-drained soils, even poor soil. Water moderately. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming. May go dormant or die in extreme heat. Tolerates light frost. Zones 2-11 as annual
Petals edible—used in salads, soups, teas, and as saffron substitute (color food). Extensively used in herbal medicine for skin healing, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Flowers made into salves, creams, and tinctures for wounds, burns, rashes. Attracts beneficial insects. Companion plant repelling pests. Deer resistant. Symbolizes joy and remembrance

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificCalendula officinalis

English (Alternate)African marigold, French marigold, Mexican marigold

Hindiगेंदा (Genda), गेंदे का फूल (Genda Phool)

TamilSaamandhi Poo (சாமந்தி பூ), செந்த்ரிக்கா பூ (Centrikkā pū)

Teluguబంతి పువ్వు (banthi puvvu)

Malayalamചെണ്ടുമല്ലി (Chendumalli), ജമന്തിപ്പൂ (Jamanthippoo)

Kannadaಚೆಂಡು ಹೂವು (chendu hoovu)

Sanskritसप्तपर्णिका (Saptaparnika), गेंदा (Ganda), गंधपुष्पम् (Gandhapushpam)

Bengaliগাঁদা ফুল (Genda Phool), গাঁদা (Genda), গন্ধলি (Gandhali)

Frenchsouci, œillet d'Inde, rose d'Inde

Russianбархатцы (barkhattsy), ноготки (nogotki), календула (kalendula)

Spanishcaléndula, maravilla, cempasúchil, clavel de moro

GermanRingelblume, Studentenblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.