When to Plant Calendula in Arkansas
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a cheerful, edible-flowered cool-season annual valued by herbalists, chefs, and gardeners alike. Its golden-orange petals are used in salves, teas, and as a saffron substitute. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts, it blooms prolifically in spring and fall, taking a pause during the hottest weeks of summer.
Arkansas spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Calendula planting dates based on your local frost dates.
Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.
Calendula Planting Calendar for Arkansas
▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Bloom | May 13 | May 13 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Bloom | May 6 | May 6 – Sep 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 13 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
▸ Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Bloom | April 12 | Apr 12 – Aug 23 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
▸ Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Direct Sow | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 28 |
| Bloom | March 25 | Mar 25 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 19 | Sep 19 – Oct 3 |
Growing Tips for Arkansas
Direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked — seeds germinate in cool soil (50-65°F). In zones 7+, also sow in fall for winter/spring bloom. Deadhead consistently to extend bloom. Plants self-seed readily; save a few spent heads and allow them to drop. Harvest petals when flowers are fully open for best flavor and medicinal value.
Calendula in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calendula in Arkansas?
Planting dates for Calendula in Arkansas depend on your USDA zone. Arkansas spans zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Arkansas for planting?
Arkansas contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.