Calendula officinalis, commonly called Pot Marigold, is a widely recognized herb belonging to the Asteraceae family (daisies and sunflowers). Originating in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, Calendula has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental, culinary, and medicinal uses. The common name, Pot Marigold, refers to its historical use as an edible addition to soups and stews.
The Distinctive Flower Head
The most recognizable feature of the plant is its daisy-like flower head, formally called a capitulum. These blooms typically span 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 7 cm) in diameter. The color spectrum ranges from bright yellow and gold to deep orange, with some cultivars exhibiting pale cream or apricot shades.
The structure of the flower head is composed of two distinct types of smaller flowers, known as florets, arranged on a central disk. The outer, petal-like structures are the ray florets, which are often numerous, giving the bloom its full appearance. These ray florets can be densely packed, especially in semi-double and double varieties, where they replace many of the central florets.
The center is composed of tiny, tubular disk florets. In the wild form of Calendula, the center is prominent, but in many cultivated varieties, the disk is largely obscured by extra layers of ray florets. The color of this central disk can sometimes contrast with the ray florets, appearing as a more intense orange-yellow, reddish, or even black in specific cultivars.
Stems and Foliage
The vegetative parts of Calendula officinalis possess distinct characteristics that aid in identification. The leaves are simple and arranged alternately along the stem. They are generally oblong or lance-shaped, sometimes described as spatulate, and can reach up to 7 inches (17 cm) in length.
The leaf margins are typically entire (smooth), though they can occasionally be slightly wavy or weakly toothed. Both the leaves and the stems are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a slightly fuzzy or resinous texture. This glandular covering can make the foliage feel sticky to the touch and contributes to the plant’s mildly aromatic nature.
The stems themselves are angular, sparsely branched, and may be lax or upright. They support the blooms on stalks that can extend up to 4 inches long. The light-green foliage provides a muted background that effectively highlights the bright colors of the terminal flower heads.
Overall Growth Habit and Size
Calendula officinalis is typically grown as a self-seeding annual, although it can behave as a short-lived perennial in milder climates. The plant generally establishes a bushy, mounding, or sprawling growth habit, achieved through its angular, branched stems.
When fully mature, the plant reaches a height between 1 and 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) and often spreads to a similar width. This compact scale makes it well-suited for bedding displays, borders, and container gardening. The overall visual impression is dense foliage interspersed with prolific, brightly colored blooms that appear over a long season.