The Power of Calendula: From Garden Flower to Radiant Skin

Who wouldn't want to add a pop of color to their garden? My absolute favorite flower to accomplish just that is Calendula, also known as pot marigold. It's a vibrant and versatile flower that not only adds a pop of color to your garden but also offers numerous benefits for skin health. It's not a picky flower, I've had it grow just about anywhere! With its bright yellow and orange blossoms, this delightful flower has been cherished for centuries for its healing properties and soothing effects. I'd like to share with you how to grow Calendula in your garden and harness its natural goodness to create infused oils that nourish and protect your skin.

Cultivating Calendula in Your Garden:

• Choose the right location: Calendula thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. I've totally grown it both conditions just fine.

• Soil preparation: Calendula prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Test your soil first!

• Sowing seeds: Directly sow Calendula seeds in the spring, after the last frost. Scatter the seeds and lightly cover them with soil, keeping the area consistently moist until germination occurs. Note: These guys will definitely re-seed themselves if left alone!

• Maintenance: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Remove spent flowers and cut fresh flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Harvesting Calendula Flowers:

• Timing: Harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom, typically in the morning after the dew has evaporated. The petals should be vibrant and healthy-looking.

• Gentle handling: Carefully pluck the flowers, ensuring not to damage the surrounding plant. Avoid using any flowers that show signs of discoloration or pest damage. Also, they can be a bit resinous, so they're a little sticky.

• Drying: Spread the harvested flowers in a single layer on a clean, dry surface. Allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. My favorite drying method is to put them in a paper bag and stick them in my truck to dry. This way nothing sticks to them, they're clean and it's efficient of course! Once DRY, super dry, store them in an airtight container for future use. If not completely dry, they will mold!

Making Calendula-Infused Oil:

• Choose your oil: Select a high-quality carrier oil, such as safflower (my favorite), olive, or jojoba oil. These oils are nourishing and suitable for most skin types.

• Preparing the infusion: Place dried Calendula flowers in a clean glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil. Ensure the flowers are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot for four to six weeks, shaking it gently every few days. Added Bonus: Stick the jar in the sun outside during the summer solstice to get some extra sun energy in there!

• Straining the oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil using cheesecloth, and compost the spent flowers. Transfer the infused oil to dark glass bottles for storage. This oil is great to use if you have any skin irritations or just want your skin to feel nourished in general.

To go more in depth on the infusion process, check out my other post on Infusions

Calendula flowers are a treasure trove of beauty and wellness benefits. By growing them in your garden and harnessing their healing properties, you can create potent infused oils and salves that promote healthy, radiant skin. Embrace the power of Calendula and experience the natural wonders it offers, right from your own backyard!