When to Plant Calendula in Rhode Island
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.
Rhode Island spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a (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.
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Calendula Planting Calendar for Rhode Island
▸ 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 |
Growing Tips for Rhode Island
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
- Arkansas
- 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
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calendula in Rhode Island?
Planting dates for Calendula in Rhode Island depend on your USDA zone. Rhode Island spans zones 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is Rhode Island for planting?
Rhode Island contains USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a. 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.