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When to plant Calendula in Carroll County, AR

The best window to plant Calendula in Carroll County, is March 10–March 31, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 14; first frost October 25. A second sowing from August 30 to September 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Calendula in Carroll County, AR

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.

Carroll County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,166 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 53.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Calendula root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Carroll County, AR (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Carroll County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Calendula Planting Timeline — Carroll County, AR

Calendula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 31
Bloom June 2 Jun 2 – Sep 15
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 – Sep 13

Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Fall Sowing Bloom
September Fall Sowing Bloom
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Carroll County

Growing Tips for Carroll County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Calendula in Carroll County, AR?

Carroll County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carroll County, AR?

Carroll County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Calendula in Carroll County, AR?

In Carroll County, AR, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Carroll County, AR for Calendula?

Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Calendula grow in Carroll County's climate?

Yes — Calendula grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Carroll County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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