CALENDULAS OR ENGLISH MARIGOLDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 544, 22 December 1928, Page 26

CALENDULAS OR ENGLISH MARIGOLDS

Of recent years this flower has increased enormously in popularity. The old-fashioned, common marigolds that were considered weeds by many have completely died out and uew selected varieties have taken their place. The name calendula comes from calendar, the first day of the month. These hardy annuals are easily grown from seed which, from now on, may be sown out in the open borders or flower beds. Level the soil with the rake and scatter thinly in drills, covering the seed half an inch, no more. In a short time the seedlings will make their ap-

pearance and will require plenty of water through their baby stage. As the plants grow, thin out or transplant to about eight inches apart, thus giving them plenty of room to expand. Calendulas are wonderful dryweather plants, and bloom for months In sunny beds. For rockery work they unexcelled, making a blaze of colour among drab stone-work. If left after flowering they invariably seed and reproduce themselves in a short time. In fact, if gardeners saved a pinch of seed every four weeks they would have a continuous crop of bloom the whole year round. Two varieties that are worthy of cultivation are Ball’s Giant Orange and Sulphur Queen.