Grow your own winter pharmacy

Surely it is no coincidence that the herbs for treating colds and coughs can all withstand the cold, such as calendula, thyme, parsley, yarrow and chives. An exception is sage, which doesn’t really like the cold but should survive if kept sheltered.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is as much a herb as it is a favourite for winter flowering, and is most likely to be found rubbing shoulders with pansies, petunias, and violas. The more intense the colour of the calendula yellow or orange flowers, the higher the level of active ingredients. There is also a paler orange – calendula “Bon Bon” apricot – that may fit more easily into the garden’s colour scheme.

REMEDIES. Both calendula and thyme fight infections.

A tea made from calendula petals can be taken internally as an anti-viral to help clear infections and to detox and balance the digestive system, liver and gall bladder. An infusion of calendula petals can also be used for bathing tired red eyes, as a soothing, cleansing wash for pet’s eyes and for adding to the bathwater as a treatment for fungal infections.

To make the tea, infuse two teaspoons of petals in 750ml just-boiled water for 10 minutes. Strain, and drink up to five cups a day. If using dried petals, use less: one measure of dried petals is equivalent to three measures of fresh petals. Tip: cut off the bitter white portion at the base of the calendula petal where it was attached.

Calendula grows in full sun, and can be used as a bedding or border plant as well as in containers. The plants are bushy, compact (25 to 30cm high) and the “Bon Bon” series has large double flowers. Plant them in well-composted soil that drains well and pinch out the tops to stop the plants becoming straggly. Removing the dead flowers also encourages more blooms. For a constant supply of flowers, feed once a month with a liquid fertiliser specifically for flowers.

GOOD COMPANIONS. Parsley boosts the immune system and grows well with calendulas.

If the idea of growing edible flowers appeals to you, mix calendula with dianthus, pansies and violas (Viola wittrockiana) or viola heartsease, and English daisy (Bellis perennis).