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When to Plant Calendula in Florida

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.

Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 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.

Calendula Planting Calendar for Florida

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 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

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

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 20
Direct Sow October 9 Oct 9 – Oct 30
Bloom December 11 Dec 11 – Mar 12
Fall Sowing September 10 Sep 10 – Sep 24
Zone 11b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

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

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors October 30 Oct 30 – Nov 13
Direct Sow October 2 Oct 2 – Oct 23
Bloom December 4 Dec 4 – Mar 5
Fall Sowing September 10 Sep 10 – Sep 24
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 Florida

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Calendula in Florida?

Planting dates for Calendula in Florida depend on your USDA zone. Florida spans zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Florida for planting?

Florida contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.