When to plant Calendula in Alachua County County,
Alachua County County's spring Calendula window runs December 29 through January 19. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Alachua County, FL
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Alachua County, Florida this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Collect calendula at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 398 feet, Alachua County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Calendula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Calendula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Alachua County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6.1
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 Alachua County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.1) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Alachua County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Calendula will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Calendula.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 04.
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Alachua 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 — Alachua County, FL
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 9 |
| Direct Sow | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 19 |
| Bloom | March 9 | Mar 9 – Jul 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Direct Sow |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Alachua County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Alachua County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after February 23 in Alachua County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Alachua County dries quickly — mulch Calendula with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Alachua County, provide afternoon shade for Calendula and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Calendula in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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 Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alachua County, FL?
Alachua County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Calendula in Alachua County County, ?
In Alachua County County, , plant Calendula after the last frost (around February 23) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Alachua County County, for Calendula?
Alachua County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Alachua County County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Alachua County County's temperate climate. Alachua County County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 23 and first frost around November 27.
Your Alachua County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alachua County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.