Calendula Officinalis.  Pot Marigold is an annual that reaches nearly two feet in height.  It blooms throughout the summer displaying flowers that are 1 ½” to 2” across and orange to yellow in color.  They can grow in any ordinary garden soil and they prefer full sun.

Sow seeds where plants are to grow and germination will occur in one to two weeks.  In colonial times, Pot Marigolds were used to flavor stews and soups, hence the name.  They were also used for coloring and, apothecaries used the whole plant to make a soothing ointment for skin wounds and ulcers. 

Pot Marigolds were first grown in England in 1573 and by 1600 were growing in Virginia gardens. 

Heirloom seeds are collected from the gardens and grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon and cleaned and packaged by hand.