Why don't we eat these?

[digitS']

Or, have you ever?

They are "pot marigolds" - Calendulas. They have beautiful, bright flowers but are a little bit of an exasperating ornamental. The spent flowers are not very attractive and they can make a ton of them! Calendulas can self-sow abundantly if you allow the flowers to remain on the plants.

Some people use the flower petals as a food coloring. When the plants reach this stage of growth I always think that they look so . . . edible!

Steve

mid-day, cellphone photo

 

[vfem]

I've eaten Calendulas in salads and such. I always have a few edible flowers in the garden to brighten up salads.

 

[catjac1975]

how do they taste?

Or, have you ever?

They are "pot marigolds" - Calendulas. They have beautiful, bright flowers but are a little bit of an exasperating ornamental. The spent flowers are not very attractive and they can make a ton of them! Calendulas can self-sow abundantly if you allow the flowers to remain on the plants.

Some people use the flower petals as a food coloring. When the plants reach this stage of growth I always think that they look so . . . edible!

Steve

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h22/Digit_007/downsize-6-1.jpg
mid-day, cellphone photo

 

[lesa]

I made a wonderful, healing potion with my calendula last year. You use olive oil, bees wax and the calendula. Very nice for many things... A few of these plants transplanted from my Mom's garden are pretty much what got me started in gardening. They remain one of my favorites!

 

[digitS']

What parts did you use, Lesa?

I have never done anything in the kitchen with calendula but understand that they can be eaten.

They grow very quickly during the cool weeks but will soon be bolting. They are sticky like Silene (catchfly). I don't have any desire to try the leaves raw but maybe, as a potherb . . .

Steve

 

[lesa]

You soak the flower petals only in the oil- infused, as it were. You strain the flower petals, before you make the potion.

 

[peteyfoozer]

I planted Calendula so I could infuse oils and use that with the petals in homemade soap. Neat stuff!

 

[grow_my_own]

I am going to have to order seed and grow my calendulas. I couldn't find them anywhere this year. My regular marigolds are doing outstanding, though.