What is in this article?: A traditional herbal plant, calendula
produces a fast-drying oil that can be used in paints and
varnishes, surface coatings, lubricants, pesticides and cleaning
solvents. Calendula oil is a safe substitute for volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), which have been banned or restricted
in California, Europe and elsewhere. “The demand for VOC
alternatives has greatly increased,” says Gesch, who is part of
a national team developing management practices for the new
crop. The plant: Annual oilseed with bright yellow flowers,
20-30 in. tall, with a strong taproot; seeds contain about 17%
oil. Production: Plant in very early spring as soon as hard
frost risk has passed; harvest 100-120 days after planting.
Yield: In Midwest, 1 ton/acre or more. In a corn-soybean
rotation: Harvest window falls after spring wheat, before
soybeans; residue may suppress soybean cyst nematode
reproduction.