When to plant Calendula in Laclede County, MO
Laclede County gardeners should plant Calendula between March 14 and April 4 in spring. With Laclede County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 11), Calendula needs 50–70 days to mature — plant by August 13 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Calendula in Laclede County, MO
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.
Laclede County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 772 feet, Laclede County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.
Laclede County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Timeline — Laclede County, MO
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Bloom | May 30 | May 30 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| 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 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Laclede County
Growing Tips for Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO?
Laclede County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Laclede County, MO?
Laclede County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Calendula in Laclede County, MO?
In Laclede County, MO, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Laclede County, MO for Calendula?
Laclede County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Calendula grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Calendula grow in Laclede County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Laclede County's temperate climate. Laclede County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.
Your Laclede County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Laclede 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.