How Cool are Calendula Seeds?

These Seeds Look Like Little Sea Creatures

UPDATED 2024

One of the cool things about Calendula is that their seeds look like tiny little octopus tentacles! Or some other sort of sea creature. The other "cool" thing about Calendula is that it's a wonderful cool season annual herb - or short-lived perennial depending on your climate - that can be seeded in the fall for late winter and spring color. Here in Texas and similar warm climates, September and early October are good times to direct seed into the garden.

Calendula officinalis is also commonly referred to as pot marigold. But it's not in the same genus Tagetes as "real" marigolds. Pot marigold has many purported herbal medicinal uses which may, or may not, be efficacious. But many will make Calendula tea as an antioxidant.

Mostly, I plant it for it's beautiful bright orange flowers. There are a few color variations available. I like to throw seed in with my salad greens and borage for a bright beautiful combination. Plants will often reseed on their own.