What is the difference between marigold and calendula

They appear to mostly be wildflowers, and not commonly cultivated ones at that. Marigolds, on the other hand, are all under the genus Tagetes. African or Aztec marigolds are Tagetes erecta. French marigolds are Tagetes patula , while Mexican marigolds are called Tagetes lucida.

There are also Signet marigolds, or Tagetes tenuifolia. The most commonly grown marigolds are Tagetes patula and Tagetes erecta French and African marigolds. Both have a good selection of varieties to choose from, bred over the years. Calendula flowers may range in petal color and layering, but all Calendula officinalis should have the same leaf, body, stem, and seed set-up. In fact, the stickier it is, the better, when it comes to making your salves and infused oils and other such things.

Varieties such as Resina Calendula have been specifically bred for higher resin levels! Stems are sticky too! The plant forms into a small shrub as long as one keeps up with the regular harvesting of flowers. Calendula seeds are curved like a crescent, brown in color, and have little ridges or teeth all along their backs. Long, thin leaves are toothed on the edges, and stems are smooth to the touch.

In fact, the whole plant feels smooth. Marigolds can be short and compact or grow up to over two feet tall, depending on variety. Petals are usually densely packed.

Calendula flowers are harvested for use in medicinal products, as a dye, and for their edible petals. The flowers are often used via infused oils in salves, lip balms, soaps, and other related body-care products. There's some confusion where marigold is concerned, though. This happens with plants from time to time, which is one reason every plant has a specific scientific Latin name. Depending on its geographical origins, a plant may have a dozen or more common names, so common names can be -- confusing.

Many plants can have the same name, whether they look alike or not. The Difference Between Calendula and French Marigold In the case of marigold, pot marigold Calendula , a native to Europe, and French marigold Tagetes , an American native in the same family as the daisy, are very different plants. Calendula is edible and often appears on lists of attractive edible flowers. Calendula is also a common herbal remedy used in skin preparations among other uses.

French marigold is a nice companion plant in the garden, makes an effective bug spray and looks lovely in a border. It doesn't have the herbal range of calendula. Depending on the cultivars involved, both pot marigold and French marigold can look pretty similar. They're very popular annuals in gardens across the country.

They aren't fussy and bloom throughout the summer months. There are also many French marigold cultivars that can look like anything from intricate lemon yellow puff balls to russet daisies.

Your best bet if you're looking for pot marigold is to search for it by its scientific name, Calendula Officinalis. In all likelihood, if your nursery carries it, you'll find it in a small display of herbal or specialty plants. How to Grow Marigold Calendula Calendula is also an easy to grow annual. It reaches a height of about 18 inches and has longish, medium green, slightly hairy leaves.

Although you can purchase plants, pot marigold is easy to direct sow from seed in spring after the last threat of frost has passed. Provide calendula with a sunny location and soil that drains well. Although it's tolerant of neglect, when you fertilize it as you would other spring annuals, you'll have brighter, more prolific blooms.

Calendula is somewhat drought tolerant, but if you experience punishing summers in your area, provide plants with a little afternoon shade and a layer of mulch. Dead-head plants regularly remove spent flowers to encourage flower production.

Once calendula is established in the garden, it self-seeds readily and comes back year after year. In most herbal reference works it is called calendula, its Latin name, so the two names are interchangeable. Marigolds are highly useful for medicinal purposes such as headaches, toothache, swelling, and strengthening the heart. The simple answer is no, and here's why: Although both are members of the sunflower Asteraceae family, marigolds are members of the Tagetes genus, which includes at least 50 species, while calendula are members of the Calendula genus, a smaller genus with only 15 to 20 species.

Are marigolds poisonous? Marigold flowers and leaves are considered safe to eat by humans and are commonly used as culinary herbs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pot marigolds are also not considered toxic to puppies when ingested or touched. How often should I water my calendula? Watering The Calendula Plant During the hot weather, give the Calendula s one to one and a half inches of water once a week.

Although the plants can tolerate low-water conditions, irrigating regularly encourages summer blooming. When should I pull up marigolds?

As your marigold plants begin to dry out, wait for the right time to collect the seeds. It's best to harvest the seeds when the petals are brown and dried out, and the base the seed pod is turning brown.

You can harvest the seeds while there is still a little green left on the base. Can you eat marigolds? Whatever you think of their flavor, the flowers are indeed edible and if nothing else a feast for the eyes. Skip to content It is important to understand some of the differences between calendula and marigold in order to decide on plant planning and where to grow in case of confusion over edibles.

Shape Flowers are more like daisies in shape and appearance. Petals are more chunky with a thicker base to them.

Seeds Curved with ridges, protected with a larger curved chaff dark in color, long, thin and straight with white tufty seed head towards one end. Toxicity Calendula are edible and the petals are tasty, leaves are a bit too bitter often inedible and certainly toxic.

Containing phototoxic thiophene derivatives. Aroma Gentle and pleasant Flowers and sap are unpleasant to smell and act as a deterrent. Use dried calendula petals are used as a substitute for saffron. Whilst the standard size for calendula is smaller than marigolds the species will vary immensely. If you went for a French Marigold it would grow to around 30cm in height with a 30cm spread. Therefore you must choose your seeds and young plants to match your space available.

Toxicity is so important when planning your garden. Even the ASPCA lists marigolds as non-toxic to dogs , but it is looking at the genus name Calendula Officinalis , which has the nickname of pot marigold.

There are possible side effects of an upset stomach, again only in a mild form. We have found that the aroma will deter animals.