When to plant Calendula in Collier County County,
Calendula planted in Collier County County between October 27 and November 17 matures in 70 days — well before the December 31 first frost. A second sowing from January 7 to January 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Collier County, FL
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.
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 93 days.
At an elevation of 185 feet, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 85°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Calendula root diseases.
Collier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
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 | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Collier County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Collier County, FL
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | November 24 | Nov 24 – Dec 8 |
| Direct Sow | October 27 | Oct 27 – Nov 17 |
| Bloom | January 5 | Jan 5 – Apr 13 |
| Fall Sowing | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Direct Sow |
| November | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| December | Transplant Outdoors |
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 10b
📆 Growing Season
93 days in Collier County
Growing Tips for Collier 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 →
Calendula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Calendula in Collier County, FL?
Collier County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 12. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Collier County, FL?
Collier County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 12 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Calendula in Collier County County, ?
In Collier County County, , plant Calendula after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Collier County County, for Calendula?
Collier County County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Collier County County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Collier County County's temperate climate. Collier County County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Collier County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Collier County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.