How to Harvest Calendula: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Harvest Calendula?
To harvest calendula, the best time is in the morning after the dew has dried.
It is ideal to pick the blossoms when they are half-open, as they are fresh and opening to the sun.
Harvesting the flowers at this stage is important, as they lose their medicinal benefits and the petals start to wither afterwards.
Once dried, the calendula blossoms can be used to make oils for salves or infused in water for facial toners.
They can also be added to sugar for a simple sugar scrub or mixed with aloe vera gel for sunburn relief.
Calendula can be grown on small farms or in large home gardens and can be sold dried or used to make various products like salves, oils, teas, sugar scrubs, facial toners, and sunburn relief.
Dried calendula is particularly useful in treating skin conditions and can be incorporated into goat’s milk soap.
Key Points:
- Harvest calendula in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Pick the blossoms when they are half-open and fresh.
- Harvest flowers at this stage to maintain medicinal benefits.
- Dried calendula can be used to make oils, toners, scrubs, and sunburn relief.
- Calendula can be grown on small farms or in large home gardens.
- Dried calendula is useful in treating skin conditions and can be used in goat’s milk soap.
Did You Know?
1. Calendula, also known as “pot marigold,” belongs to the same family as daisies and chrysanthemums, known as Asteraceae.
2. The blooms of calendula are edible and are often used as a colorful addition to salads, soups, and even desserts.
3. Calendula flowers have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, such as soothing skin irritations and reducing inflammation.
4. Calendula plants are known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies while repelling pests such as aphids and whiteflies in the garden.
5. In ancient times, calendula was referred to as the “herb of the sun” due to its vibrant orange and yellow petals, which were believed to symbolize the sun’s energy and healing power.
Best Time To Harvest Calendula Flowers
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a versatile plant that can be grown in small farms or large home gardens. Its vibrant blooms are commonly used to make products like salves, oils, teas, sugar scrubs, facial toners, and sunburn relief.
To ensure the best quality and potency, it is crucial to harvest calendula flowers at the right time. The optimal time to harvest calendula flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried. This is when the flowers are at their freshest and most vibrant. Calendula blossoms should be picked just as the petals begin to open, at the half-open stage. At this point, they are still in their prime medicinally and ready to be transformed into various products.
- Harvest calendula in the morning after dew has dried
- Pick flowers at the half-open stage for optimal medicinal potency.
Harvesting Calendula At The Ideal Stage
When harvesting calendula flowers, choose blossoms at the half-open stage. This stage indicates that the flowers are fresh and ready to soak in the sun’s rays. Look for vibrant orange and yellow petals that are not fully opened or beginning to wither.
To harvest calendula, gently hold the stem below the flower head and give it a slight twist. The flower head should easily detach from the stem, providing you with the perfect blossom for your various creations. Remember to use clean pruning shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant or introducing any contaminants.
- Choose blossoms at the half-open stage
- Look for vibrant orange and yellow petals
- Gently hold the stem below the flower head and twist
- Use clean pruning shears or scissors
Importance Of Harvesting Calendula At The Right Time
Harvesting calendula flowers at the ideal stage is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, the medicinal properties of the plant are at their peak during the half-open stage. After this point, the petals begin to wither, diminishing their healing potential. Therefore, to harness the full benefits of calendula, it is crucial to harvest the flowers when they are fresh and vibrant.
Secondly, harvesting calendula at the right time ensures its versatility in creating a range of products. Whether you want to make oil, salves, teas, toners, or sugar scrubs, using calendula flowers that are at their half-open stage will provide the highest quality and potency. By selecting the flowers at their prime, you are ensuring the efficacy of the final products you create.
- Harvest calendula flowers when they are fresh and vibrant.
- The half-open stage is when calendula flowers have the highest medicinal properties.
- Withering petals diminish the healing potential of calendula flowers.
- Calendula flowers at their prime provide the highest quality and potency.
- Harvesting calendula at the right time ensures versatility in creating various products.
“Harvesting flowers at the ideal stage is crucial for harnessing the full benefits of calendula and ensuring the efficacy of the final products created.”
Using Dried Calendula Blossoms To Make Oil
Once you have harvested your calendula flowers at the half-open stage, it’s time to dry them for future use. Drying the blossoms allows you to make calendula oil, which can be used in a variety of skin care products.
To dry the flowers, spread them out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack or a clean, breathable cloth.
Allow the calendula flowers to air dry for several weeks in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Once completely dry, the petals should feel crispy and brittle to the touch. At this point, you can store them in an airtight container until you are ready to make the oil.
To make calendula oil, fill a clean glass jar with the dried calendula blossoms. Cover the blossoms with a carrier oil of your choice, such as olive oil or sunflower oil. Ensure that the oil completely covers the flowers. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm location, such as a window sill, for four to six weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to distribute the oils.
After the infusion period, strain the oil to remove the spent flowers. Transfer the calendula-infused oil into dark glass bottles with a tight-fitting lid. Your homemade calendula oil is now ready to be used in salve recipes, applied directly to the skin, or added to various products for its nourishing and healing properties.
Creating A Simple Sugar Scrub With Dried Calendula Flowers
Another delightful way to incorporate dried calendula flowers into your skincare routine is by creating a simple sugar scrub. The gentle exfoliating properties of sugar combined with the soothing effects of calendula make for a wonderful combination.
To make a calendula sugar scrub, start by grinding dried calendula flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Combine the powdered calendula with granulated sugar in a 2:1 ratio. For example, if you use one cup of powdered calendula, add two cups of sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Now, you have a fragrant and exfoliating sugar scrub that can be used on your face or body. Simply take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions. Rinse off with warm water, and revel in the softness and glow of your skin after each use.
- Incorporate dried calendula flowers into your skincare routine
- Create a simple sugar scrub
- Gentle exfoliation with soothing effects
- Grind dried calendula flowers into a fine powder
- Combine powdered calendula with granulated sugar in a 2:1 ratio
- Mix well until thoroughly combined
- Use on face or body
- Gently massage onto damp skin in circular motions
- Rinse off with warm water
- Enjoy the softness and glow of your skin
Infusing Calendula In Water For Facial Toner And Sunburn Relief
In addition to making oil and sugar scrubs, dried calendula flowers can be infused in water to create a soothing facial toner or combined with aloe vera gel to provide relief for sunburned skin. Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent ingredient for these purposes.
To create a facial toner:
- Place a handful of dried calendula flowers in a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with boiling water, enough to completely cover the flowers.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on desired concentration.
- Strain the mixture and allow it to cool completely.
- Transfer the toner to a spray bottle.
- Use it after cleansing your face to refresh and tone your skin.
For sunburn relief:
- Mix dried calendula flowers with aloe vera gel in a blender or food processor to create a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to sun-exposed areas.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
- This combination will soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Harvesting calendula flowers at the optimal time and correctly drying them opens up a world of possibilities for creating various skincare products. Whether you choose to make oil, sugar scrubs, facial toners, or sunburn relief remedies, the vibrant and versatile calendula plant has got you covered. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can confidently harvest and utilize calendula to enhance your natural skincare routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of calendula do you use?
Calendula, also known as marigold, is primarily used for its dried petals in various forms of healing treatments. These dried petals are commonly utilized in tinctures, ointments, and washes for the management of burns, bruises, and cuts. Additionally, calendula has shown promise in preventing dermatitis in individuals undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, making it an essential resource for soothing and protecting the skin during this treatment.
Where do you cut calendula?
To properly harvest calendula, it is recommended to cut the stalk at the base of the plant. However, when doing so, you may need to remove certain side stems that may be too short for design work. These shorter stems can still be appreciated in a bud vase or composted, ensuring no part of the plant goes to waste.
How do you prepare calendula leaves?
When it comes to preparing calendula leaves, a simple and effective method is making a tea infusion. Start by steeping around 1 to 3 tablespoons of dried petals or 4 to 6 dried flower heads in 8 ounces of water. To effortlessly achieve this, you can utilize a loose-leaf tea infuser, which will greatly facilitate the process. This uncomplicated technique allows you to enjoy the benefits of calendula internally without much hassle.
What is the best way to use calendula?
One of the best ways to use calendula is by making a DIY calendula-infused oil. This oil can be used as a natural remedy for various skin conditions such as cuts, burns, rashes, and dryness. Additionally, calendula oil can be blended with other carrier oils to create soothing massage oils or added to homemade skincare products like creams and lotions.
Another great way to use calendula is by making a calendula salve. This salve can be applied topically to help heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and promote skin regeneration. It can be particularly beneficial for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. With its healing properties, calendula salve can be a versatile addition to any natural first aid kit.