Grows in well-drained to poor soil in full sun. Propagate by seed sown in spring or autumn. It often self-seeds. You can use the flowers as a substitute for saffron in rice and soups, and infused to give colour to cheese, butter, milk desserts, and cakes; also added fresh to salads. Many skin and cosmetic preparations contain marigold. It has also antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.