When to plant Calendula in Dade County, GA
Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Plant Calendula between February 25 (after last frost on April 1) and March 18. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Dade County, GA
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.
Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Dade County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Calendula, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Calendula root diseases.
Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Dade County, GA
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 18 |
| Bloom | May 20 | May 20 – Sep 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 7b
📆 Growing Season
213 days in Dade County
Growing Tips for 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 Dade County, GA?
Dade County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dade County, GA?
Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Calendula in Dade County, GA?
In Dade County, GA, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dade County, GA for Calendula?
Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Dade County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Dade County's temperate climate. Dade County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 31.
Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.