When to plant Calendula in Palm Beach County County,
Calendula planted in Palm Beach County County between December 2 and December 23 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 Palm Beach County, FL
Palm Beach County, Florida gardeners: here's your June plan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Palm Beach County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 57 days.
At an elevation of 355 feet, Palm Beach County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Palm Beach County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Palm Beach County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.9) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Palm Beach 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 (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 14 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Calendula Water Budget
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Oct in Palm Beach 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 — Palm Beach County, FL
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | December 30 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Direct Sow | December 2 | Dec 2 – Dec 23 |
| Bloom | February 10 | Feb 10 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
57 days in Palm Beach County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Palm Beach County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after February 17 in Palm Beach County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Palm Beach County dries quickly — mulch Calendula with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Palm Beach County, FL?
Palm Beach County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Palm Beach County, FL?
Palm Beach County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Calendula in Palm Beach County County, ?
In Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County County, for Calendula?
Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Palm Beach County County's temperate climate. Palm Beach County County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Palm Beach County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Palm Beach 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.