The pot marigold, or Calendula officinalis is an edible flower that can be a colourful addition to any garden or window box. It is not, however, to be confused with the French marigold Tagetes tenuifolia, which is, in fact, a non-edible member of the daisy family that is widely utilised for its many beneficial attributes as a companion plant. Tolerant to most soil types, the pot marigold produces vibrant flowers, and is extremely easy to grow. They offer large yellow-orange blooms with edible applications reaching back thousands of years.Flower heads can be tossed into a salad to provide some vivid flair or used as a simple garnish to accompany any number of dishes. "Poor man's saffron" - the petals of the pot marigold - can also be used to give rice a yellow colour and subtle aroma. In whichever way the flowers of the pot marigold are consumed, their nutritional benefits are many:
The large flowers of the pot (otherwise known as the English, Scottish, garden, or common) marigold are also great for attracting pollinators into your garden.Image: Martina Osmy/Shutterstock