When to plant Calendula in Kingman County, KS
Kingman County's climate puts the Calendula spring window between March 10 and March 31. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 29 to September 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Kingman County, KS
July in the garden — Kingman County, Kansas
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Kingman County, Kansas.
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Basket week: calendula
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: calendula
- Fall sowing: 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.
Kingman County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 746 feet, Kingman County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.
Kingman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 Kingman County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) is more alkaline than Calendula prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kingman County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Calendula will thrive.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Calendula Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kingman 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 — Kingman County, KS
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 |
| Bloom | June 2 | Jun 2 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Kingman County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Kingman County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after April 14 in Kingman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Calendula in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Kingman County receives only 21" of rain annually. Calendula needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Kingman County, KS?
Kingman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kingman County, KS?
Kingman County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Calendula in Kingman County, KS?
In Kingman County, KS, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kingman County, KS for Calendula?
Kingman County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Kingman County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Kingman County's temperate climate. Kingman County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.
Your Kingman County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kingman County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.