When to Plant Calendula in Colfax County, NM
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.
Colfax County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 5,131 feet, Colfax County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Calendula to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Calendula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Calendula successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Colfax County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Calendula Planting Timeline — Colfax County, NM
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Bloom | July 3 | Jul 3 – Oct 2 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Colfax County
Growing Tips for Colfax 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 Colfax County, NM?
Colfax County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colfax County, NM?
Colfax County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Colfax County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colfax County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.