When to Plant Marigolds in Campbell County, VA
Marigolds (Tagetes patula) are warm-season annuals beloved for their cheerful orange, yellow, and red blooms — and for their well-documented ability to repel pest nematodes in vegetable beds. Easy from seed, drought-tolerant once established, and bloom from early summer until the first hard frost.
Campbell County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 975 feet, Campbell County receives approximately 54.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Marigolds during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Marigolds root diseases.
Campbell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Marigolds
Marigolds needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Marigolds Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Campbell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Marigolds Planting Timeline — Campbell County, VA
Marigolds Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Bloom | June 9 | Jun 9 – Sep 29 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| 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 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Campbell County
Growing Tips for Campbell County
Direct-sow after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier. Deadhead spent blooms to keep new flowers coming. French marigolds (T. patula) are the most reliable nematode repellents — plant a band around vegetable beds. Tolerate poor soil but bloom best with monthly compost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Seeds are the long, thin, dark pieces inside the dried flower head.
Marigolds in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Marigolds in Campbell County, VA?
Campbell County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Marigolds planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Campbell County, VA?
Campbell County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Campbell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Campbell County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.