Calendula officinalis.

Varieties

Single; Common double; Largest very double; Double lemon-coloured; Great Childing; Small Child-ing. The single-flowered and those which have the darkest orange colour, are most esteemed, as possessing the most flavour.

Soil And Situation

The soil most suited to them is one that is light, dry, and poor. In rich ground they grow larger and more luxuriant, but lose much of their flavour and quality. The situation cannot be too open and exposed.

Sowing may be from the close of February until June; or it may be performed in autumn, during September. If left to themselves, they will never tail to multiply from the self sown seed. Sow in drills, ten inches apart; the plants are best left where raised, being thinned to ten or twelve inches asunder; but when the seedlings are two or three inches in height, they may be removed into rows at similar distances as above. Water must be given moderately every other day, until established.

Gathering

The flowers, which the spring-raised plants will produce in the June of the same year, but those of autumn not until that of the following one, will be fit to gather for keeping in July, when they are fully expanded, as well as for use when required. Before storing, they must be dried perfectly, otherwise they become mouldy and decay.

To Obtain Seed

Plants of each variety must be grown as far distant from each other as may be. The two childing, and the largest double marigolds, are especiable liable to degenerate, if the seed is not carefully taken from the largest and most double flowers.