Planting guide · zone 8b
When to plant calendula in zone 8b
In zone 8b, the average last spring frost is Mar 12 and the first fall frost is Nov 22. Here is calendula's whole year, counted from those dates.
Jan 29Start seeds indoorsSpring
Mar 12Transplant into the gardenSpring
Jul 29Start seeds indoorsFall
Aug 26Transplant into the gardenFall
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Average, well-drained soil. Too rich and you get leaves instead of flowers.
Seedling care
Seed germinates best in darkness — cover it fully, unlike chamomile. Transplant out at 4–5 weeks.
Growing notes
Deadhead constantly and it blooms until hard frost. Petals are edible and dry well for salves.
Harvest
Pick flowers just fully open, mid-morning after dew dries. The sticky resin on your fingers is the good stuff.