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When to plant Marigolds in Sullivan County, IN

The best window to plant Marigolds in Sullivan County, is April 18–May 9, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 18; first frost October 17.

When to Plant Marigolds in Sullivan County, IN

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.

Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 914 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Marigolds during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Sullivan County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sullivan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Marigolds Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, IN

Marigolds Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Bloom June 13 Jun 13 – Sep 19

Plant 0.3" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September 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 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Sullivan County

Growing Tips for Sullivan 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

  • Beans
  • Cabbage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Marigolds Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let flower heads dry on plant. Pull dried petals to reveal seeds.
Storage Store in envelopes; viable 3 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Very easy to save. Seeds are the long, thin, dark pieces inside the dried flower head.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Marigolds in Sullivan County, IN?

Sullivan County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Marigolds planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sullivan County, IN?

Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Marigolds in Sullivan County, IN?

In Sullivan County, IN, plant Marigolds after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sullivan County, IN for Marigolds?

Sullivan County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Marigolds grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Marigolds grow in Sullivan County's climate?

Yes — Marigolds grows well in Sullivan County's temperate climate. Sullivan County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sullivan County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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