Calendula officinalis. Beautiful heirloom Calendula first introduced to North America about 100 years ago. Globular, eye-catching orange flowers have quill-like edible petals. These can be added to soups, salads and rice and they make excellent lotions and salves for skin care. Easy-to-grow in any sunny spot and well-suited for pots. Grows to about 2 feet high. Direct sow in spring or start seed indoors 6 weeks before planting out.