When to plant Calendula in Spalding County, GA
Aim to plant Calendula in Spalding County on or after February 11; the window stays open through March 4. Spalding County's 216-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Spalding 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.
Spalding County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 468 feet, Spalding County receives approximately 51.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°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.
Spalding County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Spalding County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Spalding County, GA
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Bloom | April 29 | Apr 29 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Spalding County
Growing Tips for Spalding 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 Spalding County, GA?
Spalding County is in Zone 8b 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 Spalding County, GA?
Spalding County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Calendula in Spalding County, GA?
In Spalding County, GA, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Spalding County, GA for Calendula?
Spalding County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Spalding County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Spalding County's temperate climate. Spalding County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 3.
Your Spalding County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Spalding County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.