When to plant Calendula in Comptche, CA
Plant Calendula in Comptche, when soil hits 50°F — usually January 19. Continue planting through February 9 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Comptche, CA
Top priorities for Mendocino County, California gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Start harvesting calendula
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: calendula
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.
Comptche, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Mendocino County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Calendula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Comptche Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Calendula
Calendula needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Calendula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mendocino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Comptche, CA
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Bloom | March 30 | Mar 30 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Mendocino County
Growing Tips for Comptche
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 →
Calendula in Other Locations
When should I plant Calendula in Comptche, CA?
In Comptche, CA, plant Calendula after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Comptche, CA for Calendula?
Comptche sits in USDA Zone 9b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Comptche's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Comptche's temperate climate. Comptche averages a 231-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 9.
Your Mendocino County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mendocino County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.