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When to plant Calendula in Ozark County, MO

For Ozark County, gardeners: plant Calendula March 5 through March 26 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Calendula in Ozark 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.

Ozark County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,321 feet, Ozark County receives approximately 31.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Ozark County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Ozark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Calendula Planting Timeline — Ozark County, MO

Calendula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 26
Bloom May 28 May 28 – Sep 10
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 – Sep 14

Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Ozark County

Growing Tips for Ozark 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Calendula in Ozark County, MO?

Ozark County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ozark County, MO?

Ozark County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Calendula in Ozark County, MO?

In Ozark County, MO, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ozark County, MO for Calendula?

Ozark 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 Ozark County's climate?

Yes — Calendula grows well in Ozark County's temperate climate. Ozark County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.

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Your Ozark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ozark 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ozark County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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