When to Plant Calendula in California

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.

California spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

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 California

▸ Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Transplant Outdoors	November 20	Nov 20 – Dec 4
Direct Sow	October 23	Oct 23 – Nov 13
Bloom	January 1	Jan 1 – Apr 9
Fall Sowing	September 24	Sep 24 – Oct 8

▸ Zone 10b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Transplant Outdoors	November 13	Nov 13 – Nov 27
Direct Sow	October 16	Oct 16 – Nov 6
Bloom	December 25	Dec 25 – Apr 2
Fall Sowing	September 24	Sep 24 – Oct 8

▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 20	Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors	April 3	Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow	March 6	Mar 6 – Mar 27
Bloom	May 22	May 22 – Aug 28

▸ 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

▸ Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Transplant Outdoors	January 13	Jan 13 – Jan 27
Direct Sow	December 16	Dec 16 – Jan 6
Bloom	February 24	Feb 24 – Jun 30
Fall Sowing	September 17	Sep 17 – Oct 1

▸ Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Transplant Outdoors	December 21	Dec 21 – Jan 4
Direct Sow	November 23	Nov 23 – Dec 14
Bloom	February 1	Feb 1 – May 24
Fall Sowing	September 27	Sep 27 – Oct 11

Growing Tips for California

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Calendula in California?

Planting dates for Calendula in California depend on your USDA zone. California spans zones 10a, 10b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is California for planting?

California contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. 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.

Blog