Growing Calendula in Zone 11A

Calendula (pot marigold) is a cool-season flower with medicinal properties and cheerful blooms.

Zone 11A has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

Top Growing Tips

• Prefers cool weather — blooms best in spring and fall
• Self-seeds prolifically — you’ll have it forever after one planting
• Petals are edible — use as ‘poor man’s saffron’ in cooking
• Attracts beneficial insects including hoverflies and lacewings
• Used in herbal salves and skin care for centuries

Companion Planting

Good companions: tomatoes, asparagus, virtually everything

Avoid planting near: none — calendula is a universal garden friend

Harvest Timeline

Flowering in 45-60 days from seed; harvest when fully open

About Zone 11A

USDA Hardiness Zone 11A has an average last spring frost around Jan 1 and first fall frost around Dec 31. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.