When to Plant Calendula in Kitsap County, WA
Your June planting checklist for Kitsap County, Washington
Your Kitsap County, Washington garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: calendula
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 264 feet, Kitsap County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Calendula during the growing season.
Kitsap County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Kitsap County
How your county's soil matches Calendula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) overlaps with Calendula's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kitsap County is excellent for Calendula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Calendula will thrive.
How to Plant Calendula
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Calendula
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kitsap 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 — Kitsap County, WA
Calendula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Bloom | April 8 | Apr 8 – Aug 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| September | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Kitsap County
Growing Tips for Calendula in Kitsap County
Direct sow Calendula outdoors after March 25 in Kitsap 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 Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Calendula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 5.
Your Kitsap County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kitsap County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.