When to plant Calendula in Morgan County County,
Morgan County County's short 148-day growing season means one Calendula planting between April 19 and May 10. No fall crop in Zone 5b.
When to Plant Calendula in Morgan County, CO
June in the garden — Morgan County, Colorado
Your Morgan County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Indoor seed-starting week for calendula
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
-
Pick calendula
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Morgan County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 7,673 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Calendula to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Calendula successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.2
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 Morgan County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.2) is more alkaline than Calendula prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Morgan County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Calendula Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Morgan 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 — Morgan County, CO
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Bloom | June 28 | Jun 28 – Sep 27 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Morgan County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after May 10 in Morgan 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.
Morgan County receives only 18" 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 Morgan County, CO?
Morgan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, CO?
Morgan County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Calendula in Morgan County, ?
In Morgan County, , plant Calendula after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morgan County, for Calendula?
Morgan 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 Morgan County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 5.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan 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.