If there’s one plant that truly bridges the garden and the apothecary, it’s calendula.
Often called pot marigold, calendula is a cheerful, sun-loving flower with a long history of use in herbal skincare. Its bright orange and yellow blooms aren’t just beautiful — they’re deeply soothing, skin-loving, and incredibly easy to grow.
Why We Love Calendula
Calendula has been used for centuries in herbal traditions for its gentle yet effective properties. It’s especially known for being:
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Soothing & calming — ideal for sensitive or irritated skin
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Supportive of skin repair — often used in salves, balms, and creams
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Gentle enough for all ages — from babies to mature skin
Because of its mild nature, calendula is one of the first herbs many herbalists reach for when formulating everyday skin care.
Growing Calendula in the Garden
Calendula is one of the most beginner-friendly plants you can grow — and one of the most rewarding.
Growing notes:
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Thrives in full sun to partial shade
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Prefers well-draining soil
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Blooms continuously when flowers are harvested regularly
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Can be direct-sown in spring and again in late summer
- Is a prolific self seeder so will show up year after year
The more you pick calendula, the more it blooms — making it perfect for gardeners who love to harvest often.
Harvesting & Using Calendula
For skincare use, calendula flowers are typically harvested just after they fully open. The petals (or whole flower heads) can be used fresh or dried.
Common uses include:
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Herbal oil infusions
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Salves & balms
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Facial oils & creams
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Soaps and body care
Calendula pairs beautifully with herbs like plantain, chamomile, lavender, and yarrow for well-rounded skin formulas.
Calendula in Our Skincare
We use calendula thoughtfully and intentionally in our botanical skincare, infusing it slowly to capture its soothing, skin-supportive properties. It’s a staple ingredient we return to again and again — not only for what it does, but for how gently it works.
If you’ve ever used a calendula-based product, you’ve likely noticed how comforting it feels on the skin — calm, soft, and supportive without being heavy.
From Seed to Skin
One of the most beautiful things about calendula is how accessible it is. You can grow it in a backyard garden, a raised bed, or even a container — and use it in simple, nourishing ways at home.
Whether you’re planting calendula seeds, harvesting blooms, or using it in your daily skincare routine, this plant reminds us that some of the most effective remedies are also the simplest.
Interested in growing calendula yourself or experiencing it in handcrafted skincare? Explore our seasonal seeds and small-batch botanical body care inspired by the garden.