Pacific Beauty Calendula

(Calendula officinalis) 85 days. Yellow-orange, 3" flowers. Flowers are used as a food color, natural dye, and substitute for saffron. Medicinal: Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb for localized skin problems. Reported to activate cellular defense mechanisms. Pkt (0.5 g, 30 seeds)

Growing instructions: Annual. Germination: 55-65°F, darkness required, 14 days. Transplant or direct seed. Full sun. 18 in. tall. Plants fade in deep summer heat and humidity, but can be reseeded for late summer/early fall harvest. Flowers are used as a food color, natural dye, and substitute for saffron. For edible flowers, use the outer part of the petals (the whitish bit where the petals connect to the head is the most bitter). Medicinal: Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb for localized skin problems. Reported to activate cellular defense mechanisms.