When to plant Marigolds in Monroe County, FL
Monroe County's climate puts the Marigolds spring window between October 30 and November 20. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.
When to Plant Marigolds in Monroe County, FL
Marigolds (Tagetes patula) are warm-season annuals beloved for their cheerful orange, yellow, and red blooms — and for their well-documented ability to repel pest nematodes in vegetable beds. Easy from seed, drought-tolerant once established, and bloom from early summer until the first hard frost.
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11b. 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 169 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 55.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Marigolds during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Marigolds will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Marigolds root diseases.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Marigolds Planting Timeline — Monroe County, FL
Marigolds Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | October 30 | Oct 30 – Nov 13 |
| Direct Sow | October 30 | Oct 30 – Nov 20 |
| Bloom | December 25 | Dec 25 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Bloom |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| November | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| December | Start Indoors Bloom |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 11b
📆 Growing Season
365 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe County
Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Deadhead spent blooms to keep new flowers coming. French marigolds (T. patula) are the most reliable nematode repellents — plant a band around vegetable beds. Tolerate poor soil but bloom best with monthly compost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Seeds are the long, thin, dark pieces inside the dried flower head.
Marigolds in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Marigolds in Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County is in Zone 11b with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Marigolds planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
When should I plant Marigolds in Monroe County, FL?
In Monroe County, FL, plant Marigolds 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 Monroe County, FL for Marigolds?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 11b. Marigolds grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Marigolds grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Marigolds grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 11b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.