Flowers From Seed: Calendula

If you are going to raise one flower from seed in your garden, may I suggest Calendula. They grow very easily from seed and are tough as nails despite their other-worldly incandescence. I planted this "Indian Prince" variety last Spring. They are not in a flower bed but in a mass of long grass and thistles and regenerated themselves after winter looking better than anything you could buy in a garden centre. Considering the price of the seeds and potting compost, these flowers probably cost a few cents to bring into existence. They are nectar and pollen rich so useful to insects, which should be the main purpose of a flower. They last ages as cut flowers too. They are used widely in herbal medicine and skincare products so you could awaken the inner alchemist inside you and brew up some tinctures and teas.

 

I didn't use any filters, they really look this good, especially against the grassy background.