At the APAF seed farm in Sandiara, the greenhouse set up with support from The Ivory Foundation is brimming with seeds this season. Among the plants grown and propagated on the farm is the marigold (calendula). This hardy and easy-to-grow flower is much more than an ornamental plant: it is a true ally of the agroecological vegetable garden.
Its nectar-rich flowers attract numerous pollinating insects, particularly bees and hoverflies, thereby contributing to biodiversity and crop pollination.
Calendula also attracts certain beneficial insects that are useful in the garden, helping to regulate pests naturally. In particular, it can serve as a refuge for insects that feed on aphids, such as ladybirds.
For this reason, it is often planted alongside vegetables in the growing beds.
Calendula has other benefits too. Its petals are edible and can brighten up salads, dishes or herbal teas.
Calendula has also long been known for its medicinal properties. It is traditionally used in soothing oils or balms for skincare.
The seeds produced at the Sandiara farm will be distributed to gardeners and partner farms of APAF and The Ivory Foundation.
This initiative forms part of the work carried out with the support of the Marie-Pierre Crosnier Mangeat Foundation to promote the distribution of local seeds suited to local conditions.
