When to plant Calendula in Talbot County, MD
For Calendula in Talbot County, the safe spring window opens around February 18 and closes around March 11. Last expected frost is April 1, first fall frost November 8, giving a 221-day growing season. A second sowing from August 30 to September 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Talbot County, MD
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.
Talbot County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 722 feet, Talbot County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.
Talbot County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Timeline — Talbot County, MD
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Bloom | May 6 | May 6 – Sep 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Talbot County
Growing Tips for Talbot 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 Talbot County, MD?
Talbot County is in Zone 8a 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 Talbot County, MD?
Talbot County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 8.
When should I plant Calendula in Talbot County, MD?
In Talbot County, MD, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Talbot County, MD for Calendula?
Talbot County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Talbot County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Talbot County's temperate climate. Talbot County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 8.
Your Talbot County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Talbot County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.