When to plant Calendula in Dougherty County County,
For Calendula in Dougherty County County, the safe spring window opens around January 10 and closes around January 31. Last expected frost is March 7, first fall frost November 18, giving a 256-day growing season. A second sowing from August 26 to September 9 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Dougherty County, GA
Your June planting checklist for Dougherty County, Georgia
Your garden in Dougherty County, Georgia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
It's harvest week for calendula
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: calendula
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.
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Calendula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Dougherty County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Dougherty County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dougherty County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Calendula prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dougherty 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 — Dougherty County, GA
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Direct Sow | January 10 | Jan 10 – Jan 31 |
| Bloom | March 21 | Mar 21 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Dougherty County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Dougherty County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after March 07 in Dougherty County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dougherty County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Calendula. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Dougherty County, provide afternoon shade for Calendula and water deeply in the morning.
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 Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
When should I plant Calendula in Dougherty County County, ?
In Dougherty County County, , plant Calendula after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dougherty County County, for Calendula?
Dougherty County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Dougherty County County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Dougherty County County's temperate climate. Dougherty County County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Dougherty County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dougherty County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.