When to plant Calendula in Stoddard County, MO
Plant Calendula in Stoddard County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 3. Continue planting through March 24 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 2 to September 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Calendula in Stoddard County, MO
Your June gardening checklist
Welcome to June in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Harvest calendula as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Stoddard County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Stoddard County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.
Stoddard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 Stoddard County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stoddard County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Calendula.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stoddard 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 — Stoddard County, MO
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 24 |
| Bloom | May 26 | May 26 – Sep 8 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
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 |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Stoddard County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Stoddard County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after April 07 in Stoddard 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 Stoddard County, MO?
Stoddard County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stoddard County, MO?
Stoddard County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Calendula in Stoddard County, MO?
In Stoddard County, MO, plant Calendula after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stoddard County, MO for Calendula?
Stoddard 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 Stoddard County's climate?
Yes — Calendula grows well in Stoddard County's temperate climate. Stoddard County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.
Your Stoddard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stoddard 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.