Marigold is said to bloom on every calendar of the month which gives its Latin name ‘Calendula officinalis’. This scented herb belongs to the genus ‘Tagetes’ and the flower has derived its name from the distorted version of the Anglo-Saxon word ‘merso-meargealla’ or the ‘marsh marigold’. The flowers are of yellow and golden orange colour. Marigold is a compound flower which means the flower which appears to be a single flower to us is actually a cluster of numerous flowers.

Originating in Europe, marigolds are found to exist in almost every country, blossoming in June. The plant is very easy to grow. Propagated from the seeds, the plant grows in any type of soil and bright sunlight. It even grows in partial shades.


The deep orange variety of the flower is used for medicinal purposes. Marigold flower has the power to abate pains considerably if rubbed on the affected area. It is also useful for treating chronic ulcer, varicose veins and jaundice.