It started with a random conversation at church. A sister shared she uses calendula flowers with oil for her skincare. Her skin is gorgeous and appears to have no fine lines or wrinkles! I was excited as I had already planned on growing calendula in the Spring. I thought calendula would just be a pretty plant, but I've learned there is so much more to it.
Calendula is an herb that looks similar to a daisy. Sometimes calendula is called a pot marigold, but it is not related to the marigold. It is an edible flower that can be used for teas, salads, broths/soups, frittattas, ice molds, garnishes, and tinctures. The flower has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in respiratory issues. It can also be helpful to anyone with GERD or heartburn (try a tea).
Not only does this herb work well internally, but it is also extraordinary for the skin. It is antiseptic, soothing, and holds healing properties. It can help with skin issues like rashes, burns, wounds, stings/bites, eczema, acne, cold sores, chicken pox, and cracking (new moms to weather changes). Furthermore, it is wonderful for ongoing skin care as it helps with hydration, tightening, and the delaying of ageing (we'll see!).
So upon discovering this, I happily planted calendula in the Spring of 2023. I planted Snow Princess and Orange King. They took about 14 days to germinate and about 2-3 months to bloom. There wasn't anything special with the soil or fertilizer, so they were pretty easy keepers. They invited pollinators and added a lovely pop of color to the garden. The only issue I had was white flies, so I was forced to pull all but one plant. That being said, it is January (2024) and that one Snow Princess is pushing out blooms despite frost! Therefore, you can plant it in the Spring and it will last once Winter comes (obviously depends on your growing zone).
Calendula excels in being easy to grow, beneficial, and beautiful, which makes it the garden champion in my book and makes me thank God for it. If I haven't convinced you to grow this herb (even in a container), calendula oil is very easy to make! The calendula oil can then be used to make creams, salves, and scrubs. I hope you will enjoy the simple recipe below and that you will think about adding calendula to your garden or even a container on your back step. This Spring I'm going to plant more and one variety I'm going to try is Pink Surprise.
Before you can make calendula oil the flowers have to be dried, which isn't challenging. To be clear, you cannot use fresh flowers. Despite the photos, you will use the entire flower in the oil, not just the petals.
Air Drying Flowers
Remove stems and leaves as it's easier to do when the flowers are freshly picked. I usually snap the flowers off the stems.
Wash the flowers. I put them in a large mason jar, fill it with water, swoosh the water around, and then pour the water out using your hand as a strainer. I repeat this a few times to help get rid of any insects.
Lay the rinsed flowers on a paper towel. Make sure they are spaced out.
Leave to dry. Change the paper towel if it gets too wet and the towel doesn't dry in a few hours.
The flowers should be ready in 1 week. Store in a jar.
*If you pick your calendulas keeping the stem intact, you can make a bundle and hang it with string to air dry.
Calendula Oil
Dried Calendula Flowers
Oil of Choice - Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, or whatever your preference is for skin care. I used jojoba oil.
In a jar, fill about halfway and then cover completely with oil. I would say to the "shoulders" of the jar. Place a lid on the jar.
Then put the jar in a cupboard for 6 weeks. Occasionally, turn the jar (or slowly shake).
Once 6 weeks have arrived, strain the flowers from the oil and use the oil as is. I use it every morning. You can also use it for other skin care recipes and you can use the petals from the strained flowers for a scrub (recipe below).
*The scent is really light, which is great if you are sensitive to scents.
*The recipe I followed from Nerdy Farm Wife said 4-6 weeks, but I think go 6 weeks if you can for better infusion.
*You can do a quicker fusion by placing the jar (with oil and flowers) in a pot with some water and heat on low for a few hours. I would place a canning jar ring on the bottom of the pot to place the jar on top of to keep the jar from breaking (just in case).
Calendula Scrub
1 cup Calendula Petals (leftover from calendula oil)
1 cup Calendula Oil and/or Olive Oil
2 cups Raw Sugar
1 cup Coarse Kosher Salt
6 drops Lavender Oil
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Feel free to add or subtract anything to fit your preferences. The oil can be more or less for instance.
Put in a jar to use in the shower/bath, or many small jars to gift.
Other Recipes for Calendula Oil
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