When to Plant Calendula in Rich County, UT
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.
Rich County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 5,803 feet, Rich County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Calendula to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Calendula successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Rich County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Calendula
Calendula needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Calendula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Rich County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Calendula Planting Timeline — Rich County, UT
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Bloom | July 19 | Jul 19 – Oct 11 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
107 days in Rich County
Growing Tips for Rich 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 Rich County, UT?
Rich County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rich County, UT?
Rich County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 15.
Your Rich County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rich County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.