'Princess Nagasaki' Calendula

Calendula officinalis Origin: Philomath, Oregon Improvement status: Cultivar Seeds per packet: ~40 Germination tested 12/2024: 80% Life cycle: Annual Lovely yellow calendula with doubled petals and a golden eye growing on elongated stems. Simply beautiful. Calendula is an old-school plant experiencing a recent resurgence in popularity. Also known as "pot marigold," it typically has beautiful yellow-orange flowers, though some varieties feature pinks and reds too. The leaves are edible (better after boiling), but it's the flowers that are the main attraction. The petals have long been used as an edible garnish and natural food dye and subtle flavoring (much like saffron, though with a different flavor). Back in the day, dairy farmers often dyed butter orange with calendula petals to make it look more appetizing. It also seems likely it was playing a preservative role, as the plant is now known to have some anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties.Calendula is still widely