When to plant Calendula in Fillmore County, MN
Calendula planted in Fillmore County between April 19 and May 10 matures in 50–70 days — well before the October 6 first frost.
When to Plant Calendula in Fillmore County, MN
Your June game plan for Fillmore County, Minnesota
Welcome to June in Zone 4b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Sow calendula in trays indoors
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
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Start harvesting calendula
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in July — 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.
Fillmore County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 870 feet, Fillmore County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Calendula to ensure they mature before fall.
Fillmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Fillmore County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fillmore 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
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Fillmore 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 — Fillmore County, MN
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Bloom | June 21 | Jun 21 – Sep 6 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Fillmore County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Fillmore County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after May 03 in Fillmore 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 Fillmore County, MN?
Fillmore County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fillmore County, MN?
Fillmore County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Calendula in Fillmore County, MN?
In Fillmore County, MN, plant Calendula after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fillmore County, MN for Calendula?
Fillmore County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Fillmore County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Fillmore County's temperate climate. Fillmore County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Fillmore County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fillmore County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.