Calendula officinalis Corniche d'Or Seeds - Marigold

'Corniche d'Or' BIO Marigold, also known as Calendula officinal or Calendula officinalis, offers highly double and round flowers, in a bright orange colour, with a small black centre. This annual, ornamental and edible plant has medicinal and repellent properties for certain insects. It blooms for a long time, from spring to the first frost. Grow it in flower beds or in the vegetable garden for its qualities as a companion plant, it repels whiteflies and aphids. Seeds from Organic Agriculture.

Listed in gardens since the 12th century, the Calendula officinalis has virtues exploited in many fields. It is first a dye plant which serves as a pigment. But it is also used in cosmetics, pharmacology and homeopathy for its soothing, astringent, healing, anti-inflammatory and hepatic properties, among others. Finally, its nickname of False Saffron comes from its culinary use. Indeed, Marigold can advantageously replace this spice by colouring rice-based dishes, as well as stews, soups and herbal teas. Raw, it flavours cheeses, salads and even butter. In addition, it has long been established in the vegetable garden as an ally of other edible plants, as it repels nematodes and attracts many pollinating insects.

'Corniche d'Or' Marigold has an upright, slightly spreading habit, composed of brittle branched stems that give it a fairly dense appearance. Its lanceolate leaves are velvety and very fragrant when crushed. Their green colour forms a backdrop for the vibrant colour of its flowers. Well double, the flowers consist of multiple orange "petals" which are actually ligulate flowers. They enliven the garden all summer long. The flowering period will be extended if you have a mild climate during autumn. Moreover, Marigold seeds spread easily in various ways: through the action of the wind, by falling to the ground, but also by clinging to clothing and animal fur, as they resemble small claw-like crescents. Their germination is not hindered by the cold. Marigold can thrive in all types of soil, as long as it is exposed to sunlight for a good part of the day.

'Corniche d'Or' BIO Marigold is a valuable ally in the garden to quickly create a flowery border or fill a container on the sunny terrace. It can reach up to 60 cm in height and 40 cm in width. It is a perfect companion for colourful Dahlias and swaying grasses. Foliage plants like Artemisias or silver-leaved Stachys complement it, as well as flowers with well-drained soil such as Sages, roses or annual Love-in-a-Mist in a perfect orange and blue duo. Marigold is also an edible flower, to be enjoyed in moderation, which can be used in salads, soups or desserts. Some say its flavour resembles that of pepper.