Our Heritage Seed Library has just been named as UK National Collection Holder for Calendula, for our work preserving 24 seed samples of this valuable flowering plant across a range of different sub-species. We already hold the National Plant Collection status for Heritage Vegetables and Comfrey (Symphytum) [link].

A significant amount of work has gone into the process of protecting this unique collection. We acquired the existing National Plant Collection of Calendula in 2023, after the closure of its previous home left it at risk. The team are now carefully completing growing trials and seed regeneration.

The new Collection encompasses the well-known Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) to the rare Calendula suffruticosa subsp. maritima, which has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. Much of this seed originated from international gene banks and was collected from sites around the world.

Creating a living collection

“We’re really excited to have been able to grow and harvest seed from 10 varieties so far,” says our Heritage Seed Library horticulturist Sophie Atkins (pictured), who looks after the Collection. “The integral role this flowering herb plays in the veg plot when it comes to diversity and food security remains unacknowledged – but we hope our understanding of this intriguing plant will grow as our collection grows.

“Like all the special heritage seeds at the library, the idea is to create a living collection that can be regularly replenished. In the longer term, our aim is to share the seeds with our volunteer Seed Guardians so they can support this vital work – and eventually add them to our annual Seed List for Heritage Seed Library members to enjoy.”

Calendula is a must-have plant for the garden. It’s easy to grow, attracts beneficial insects, acts as a natural pest control, can be used as a cover crop, and the petals are edible.

Plant Heritage is delighted that Garden Organic is going to conserve the country’s calendula collection. Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage said: “Last year we urgently needed to find a new home for this much-loved marigold collection, so naturally we were thrilled when Garden Organic agreed to take it on. Finding a new home for a collection when it can no longer be cared for in its current location is a crucial part of our plant conservation work, as we need to ensure that the collection – and all its wider biodiversity benefits - continues to flourish, just in a different place and with a different person. We’re very pleased that the future of these plants is now secured.”

Horticultural conservation charity Plant Heritage currently oversees 95,000 plants held in more than 700 different National Plant Collections spread across the country. These collections are a vital resource for plant conservation, and protect and keep many different plant groups alive, ensuring they remain in cultivation. Collection holders range from passionate individuals to botanic gardens, plant nurseries, local authorities and charities.

To find out more about the Heritage Seed Library and its collections, or support its work by becoming a member read more here. To find out more about Plant Heritage and the National Plant Collections, visit plantheritage.org.uk.