CALENDULA OFFICINALIS: CHARACTERISTICS, CULTIVATION, APPLICATIONS - BIOLOGY - 2025

Calendula officinalis is an annual herbaceous plant cultivated in various agroecosystems, belonging to the Asteraceae or Compositae family. It is cultivated for the high commercial value of its flowers, and its extensive application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

In species of wild origin, the yellow-orange coloration of their inflorescences grouped in chapters is distinctive. In cultivated species, a variety of colors have been reproduced, even when their aroma is not very pleasant.

Calendula officinalis. Source: flickr.com

This species is widely used in cosmetology, especially to treat epidermal problems such as itching, eczema, wounds, corns, burns, hemorrhoids or insect bites. The active ingredients contained in calendula have healing and antibacterial properties, renew the skin and prevent infections.

Extracts of the plant are used for different beauty treatments, as well as coloring and as ingredients for colognes. In the form of tea it is used to relieve digestive problems, gastritis, colitis and duodenal ulcers.

In gastronomy it is a substitute for natural colorants, its roots and leaves are used as accompaniments to salads. However, you must take care of the dose and maturity of the parts used, because many times their taste is bitter and unpleasant.

Grown wild around commercial crops, it acts as a biological control agent for beetles and nematodes. In addition, its chapters have the property of staying open when the humidity drops, which is why they are useful as a natural barometer.

characteristics

Calendula officinalis is a herbaceous species, woody only at the base of the stem, aromatic and glandular. It fulfills an annual to perennial growth cycle in wild crops, it also has cosmopolitan habits.

The stem is upright and thin, 20 to 50 cm, characterized by being procumbent and branched, with leaves up to the apex. It has hairs and glandular fibers along its surface, emitting a strong unpleasant odor.

Calendula plant. Source: flickr.com

The structure of the leaves is alternate and simple, with a lanceolate morphology, slightly ovate, oblong or spatulate, with winged lower petioles. The tip is conical, with slightly serrated and hairy edges.

The flowers are made up of 4-8 cm long chapters, surrounded by bracts of the involucral type. The tubular flowers or florets of the capitulum are yellowish orange, ligulate with three tips at the end.

As for the disk florets, they are tubular in appearance, smaller than the external ones and brownish yellow in color. The capitula develop solitary at the end of the stem, blooming from April to November.

The indehiscent dried fruit where the seeds develop is of the cipselar type with spines, long and curved tips. The achenes lack vilane, the external ones are elongated and covered with spines, and the central ones are short and cimbiform.

Regarding its ecological requirements, it is a crop adapted to temperate conditions, resistant to frost and low humidity conditions. It adapts to different types of soils, but the best yields are obtained in clay-type soil.

This species is cultivated in different altitudinal levels, from 0 to 1,000 meters above sea level, in vacant lots, orchards, gardens, parks and as a commercial crop. In fact, it is located worldwide in America, Central Asia, North Africa, the Mediterranean region and in southern Europe.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae.
• Division: Magnoliophyta.
• Class: Magnoliopsida.
• Subclass: Asteridae.
• Order: Asterales.
• Family: Asteraceae.
• Subfamily: Asteroideae.
• Tribe: Calenduleae.
• Genus: Calendula.
• Species: C. officinalis.

The classification of the species Calendula officinalis L., Sp. Pl. 921 (1753), means that it was initially described by Carlos Linnaeus in 1753. Likewise, it was reviewed in volume 2: 921 of the book Species Plantarum.

Calendula is a species belonging to the Kingdom Plantae, made up of plants and algae from nature. Subkingdom Viridiplantae, terrestrial plants or green plants; of the Infra-kingdom Streptophyta, a monophyletic group that includes some terrestrial plants.

It is included in the subdivision Embryophyta or terrestrial plants, of the division Tracheophyta, that is, vascular plants or tracheophytes. Subdivision Spermatophytina, which includes all branches of vascular plants that reproduce by seeds.

At the class level it is included in the Magnoliopsida, which includes all flowering plants. Superorder Asteranae of the order Asterales, an order of flowering plants that includes, among others, the Asteraceae family.

The Asteraceae family is one of the most numerous in the plant kingdom, with more than 25,000 species. Its genera include trees, shrubs and subshrubs, even herbaceous plants, with a wide worldwide distribution.

The Genus Calendula is referred to the marigold or daisy, which comprises 12 to 20 species of annual or perennial herbs of the Asteraceae family, originating in the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor.

The species Calendula officinalis, with a common name buttercup, calendula, mercadela, tufted or marigold. In English it is called marigold. Etymologically the name refers to the fact that the plant blooms during each month, even in adverse conditions.

Distribution and habitat

The origin of the Calendula officinalis species is located in the Mediterranean region and North Africa. In fact, it has been determined that it comes from a common species (Calendula arvensis) located in southern Europe and the area of ​​Persia and Arabia.

Since ancient times it has been widely cultivated by different civilizations, from the Middle East to southern Europe and North Africa. It is a crop that adapts to different latitudes from 0 to 1000 meters above sea level.

Culture

Calendula is a species that multiplies by seed, reaching 85% germination using quality seed. The average weight of 1000 seeds is 10 to 15 gr, and its viability is approximately one year.

Land preparation

It is a crop that requires the previous preparation of the land, in order to guarantee the optimal development of the plants. Loose and well aerated soil is required to allow seed germination and normal root growth.

Marigold cultivation. Source: pixabay.com

Plowing, harrowing and furrowing are recommended. With the plow it is sought to remove and loosen the soil in depth, making the lower layers have contact with the surface.

The harrow pass allows the leveling of the ground and the crushing of possible plant material or weed shoots. This work conditions the land to facilitate sowing, irrigation dispersal and mechanized harvesting.

After the last harrow pass, a shallow and straight furrow is made, which guarantees the establishment of the seed. Calendula can be sown directly in the field, or by transplanting from seedlings.

Sowing

In a crop area of ​​little extension, direct sowing is recommended, placing the seed manually through the furrow. The seed is placed in a stream along the furrow and covered with a light layer of soil.

The mechanization of sowing is carried out in large areas and where the topography of the land allows it. Crop productivity is obtained using an average of 20 kg of seed per cultivated hectare.

In the case of seedbeds, the seed is dispersed in furrows 10 cm apart and 20 mm deep, lightly covering with soil. With this technique, 12 kg of seeds are required to obtain enough seedlings for one hectare of land.

In temperate regions the best date to install seedlings is during the month of November and early December. The seedlings will be ready to transplant 35-45 days after sowing, when they are approximately 10 cm tall.

The distance between plants for direct sowing is 35 cm between rows and thinning is not necessary. For transplant sowing, 35 cm are left between rows and 35 cm between plants, for an average sowing density of 80,000 plants / Ha.

Work

The most frequent crop maintenance tasks are fertilization, irrigation, weed control, and pest and disease control. To define the amount and type of fertilizer to be used, a soil analysis must be carried out to determine nutritional deficiencies.

Seedling irrigation should be daily until Germanization, and then every two days until the transplant process begins. In direct sowing, it should be watered daily until the seedlings sprout, completing the crop cycle with 2 to 3 weekly waterings.

The marigold crop is affected in its seedling phase by the green chrysomelid (Diabrotica balteata) and the striped flea (Systena basalis). During the flowering phase, the red aphid (Aphis sp.) Can cause great economic losses.

Red Aphid (Aphis sp.). Source: flickr.com

Regarding diseases, the crop is affected by Cercospora calendulae, Puccinia flaveriae and Ascochyta sp. The disease “circular spot” on the leaves, caused by the causative agent Cercospora calendulae, can cause total defoliation of the plant.

The choice of certified seed, sowing according to the biodynamic calendar and crop rotation are preventive measures that guarantee the health of the crop. Once the pest is installed in the crop, integrated pest management and biological control are effective to achieve high yield.

Harvest

The collection of the flower heads is done when the crop has started the flowering process. This occurs approximately 70 days after sowing or 45 days after transplanting.

The harvest is done in a staggered manner depending on the opening of the chapters, and it is completely manual. During the crop cycle, 10 to 12 cuts are made, being more frequent at the beginning of the harvest.

For the provision of seed, the flower heads are harvested 90 days after sowing or 100 days after transplanting. The highest productivity of a crop involves making 10-12 cuts of chapters, followed by 4-6 cuts of seeds.

The yield of each crop is subject to geographic and agro-environmental conditions, including agricultural practices and comprehensive crop management. An average crop achieves a yield of 200 to 300 kg / Ha.

Postharvest

At an industrial level in cosmetology and pharmacology, post-harvest handling is essential to determine the quality of the final product. The postharvest treatments of the inflorescences, such as drying, packaging and conservation, guarantee the physical, chemical and sanitary properties.

Active principle

Chemical analyzes of the species C. officinalis indicate that it contains 0.2-0.4% essential oils, such as quinones and polyprenylquinones. These aromatic compounds are responsible for the aroma of the plant and are frequently used in cosmetology.

It has high contents of saponins (2-5%), terpenoids and triterpenic alcohols, salicylic acid, organic acids and fibers such as mucilages. Likewise, it has small amounts of phytosterols, carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids, also glycosides and polysaccharides such as galactans.

Of its composition, the triterpenic saponin called calendulin stands out, which has antiphlogistic properties, with anti-inflammatory effects. The combination of salicylic, malic and gentistic acid, terpenoids, caryophyllene and quercetin provides analgesic and antibacterial effects.

Uses / applications

Due to its striking yellow and orange colors, the marigold is used as an ornamental plant in parks, gardens, and flowerpots. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, it has countless properties that allow it to be used in cosmetology and pharmacology.

Calendula cream. Source: mejorconsalud.com

Calendula extracts offer a wide range of antiseptic, vasodilator, antispasmodic, Vulnerary, fungicidal, digestive, sudorific, anti-hemorrhagic and antiviral properties. Hence the scope of calendula in modern cosmetology as a healing, anti-inflammatory and coloring agent.

Continuous applications of calendula creams help prevent infections and injuries. In the same way, it favors the protection of the skin against bacteria, providing a fresh and healthy appearance.

Calendula allows to regulate the menstrual cycle, while contributing to the balance of the flow of menstruation. In addition, thanks to its analgesic properties, it relieves menstrual pain; in the case of vaginal infections it acts as a fungicidal agent.

At the digestive level, calendula has a choleretic effect, promoting the circulation of bile in the digestive tract to improve digestion. It is usually used in infusions to calm indigestion and acidity in the stomach, as well as stomach contractions.

It offers a solution to oropharyngeal inflammations such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis and gingivitis, due to the bitter principles that reduce inflammation. Consuming an infusion of a tablespoon of calendula flowers can reduce a sore throat and dry cough.

Contraindications of its intake

Basically its topical use is contraindicated in patients allergic to Asteraceae, since it causes acute dermatitis on contact. The intake of calendula extracts has not reported chronic or acute toxicity, and any mutagenic or carcinogenic effect is ruled out.

Internal intake should be avoided during pregnancy, there is no scientific evidence of the effects on the baby and the mother. On a topical level, calendula-based creams improve the cracks formed on the nipples during breastfeeding.

Calendula contains certain levels of tannins, which can be highly irritating in people with gastric problems. In addition, its use as infusions in people undergoing medical treatment can decrease or alter its effect.

The recommended dose for consuming calendula fluid extracts is 0.5-1 ml three times a day. In the case of preparing a calendula tea, a tablespoon of the dried plant is used and consumed three times a day. If a calendula-based tincture is used, 5-10 drops should be used three times a day.

References

1. Acosta de la Luz, Lérida, Rodríguez Ferradá, Carlos, & Sánchez Govín, Esther. (2001). Calendula officinalis technical instructions. Cuban Journal of Medicinal Plants, 6 (1), 23-27.
2. Calendula officinalis (2018) Taxonomic Serial No.: 36910. ITIS Report. Recovered at: itis.gov
3. Centeno, LMM (2004). Spanish medicinal plant Calendula officinalis (Asteraceae). Naturopathic Medicine, (5), 37-41.
4. Lastra Valdés, Humberto, & Piquet García, Rosario. (1999). Calendula officinalis. Cuban Journal of Pharmacy, 33 (3), 188-194.
5. The medicinal properties of calendula (2018) FloraQueen Flowering the World SL Recovered in: floraqueen.es
6. Moore Tomás, Sanchez V. Luz P., & Desmarchelier Cristian (2006) Manual of Cultivation and Management of Calendula Calendula officinalis Argentine Association of Phytomedicine (AAF). 15 pp.