When to plant Calendula in Androscoggin County, ME
Androscoggin County's spring Calendula window runs April 17 through May 8. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Calendula in Androscoggin County, ME
Your July planting checklist for Androscoggin County, Maine
July is a pivotal month for Androscoggin County, Maine gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect calendula at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,087 feet, Androscoggin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.
Androscoggin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 Androscoggin County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.4) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Androscoggin County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Androscoggin 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 — Androscoggin County, ME
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Bloom | June 26 | Jun 26 – Sep 25 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Androscoggin County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Androscoggin County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after May 08 in Androscoggin 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.
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 Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Androscoggin County, ME?
Androscoggin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Calendula in Androscoggin County, ME?
In Androscoggin County, ME, plant Calendula after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Androscoggin County, ME for Calendula?
Androscoggin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Androscoggin County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Androscoggin County's temperate climate. Androscoggin County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Androscoggin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Androscoggin County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.