When to plant Calendula in Miami-Dade County, FL
For Miami-Dade County, gardeners: plant Calendula October 9 through October 30 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 10 to September 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Miami-Dade 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.
Miami-Dade County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
At an elevation of 123 feet, Miami-Dade County receives approximately 58.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Miami-Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Timeline — Miami-Dade County, FL
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | November 6 | Nov 6 – Nov 20 |
| Direct Sow | October 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 30 |
| Bloom | December 11 | Dec 11 – Mar 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 10 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Bloom |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Direct Sow |
| November | Transplant Outdoors |
| December | Bloom |
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 11a
📆 Growing Season
365 days in Miami-Dade County
Growing Tips for Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County, FL?
Miami-Dade County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Miami-Dade County, FL?
Miami-Dade County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
When should I plant Calendula in Miami-Dade County, FL?
In Miami-Dade County, FL, 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 Miami-Dade County, FL for Calendula?
Miami-Dade County sits in USDA Zone 11a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Miami-Dade County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Miami-Dade County's temperate climate. Miami-Dade County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Miami-Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Miami-Dade County (Zone 11a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.