When to plant Calendula in Moffat County, CO
Moffat County's 99-day season only supports one Calendula planting per year. Sow between May 17 and June 7 for the best chance at full maturity before September 14.
When to Plant Calendula in Moffat County, CO
Moffat County, Colorado gardeners: here's your June plan
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.
-
Move calendula into the garden
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
Get ahead of July
- Starting indoors: calendula
- 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.
Moffat County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 99 days.
At an elevation of 6,597 feet, Moffat County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Calendula successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Moffat County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Moffat County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.3) is more alkaline than Calendula prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Moffat County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Calendula.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 to harvest before frost.
Calendula Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Calendula
Calendula needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Calendula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.8" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Moffat County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Moffat County, CO
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Bloom | July 26 | Jul 26 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
99 days in Moffat County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Moffat County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after June 07 in Moffat County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Calendula in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Moffat County receives only 12" of rain annually. Calendula needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calendula in Moffat County, CO?
Moffat County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Moffat County, CO?
Moffat County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 14.
When should I plant Calendula in Moffat County, CO?
In Moffat County, CO, plant Calendula after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Moffat County, CO for Calendula?
Moffat County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Moffat County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Moffat County's temperate climate. Moffat County averages a 99-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 14.
Your Moffat County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Moffat County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.