When to plant marigold in zone 10b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10B

Growing SeasonZone 10b

Last frost ~Jan 15First frost ~Dec 31Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Dec 4 · Sow Jan 15 · First harvest Mar 1 · Wrap by Jun 21

Last spring frostJan 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 4

Direct sowJan 15

First harvestMar 1

Last harvestJun 21

First fall frostDec 31

Why these dates work in zone 10b

Zone 10b's last spring frost averages Jan 15 and first fall frost Dec 31 — about 350 frost-free days. Marigold is frost-sensitive, so the around last frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does marigold take to grow in zone 10b?

Marigold matures in about 45–55 days from sowing. In zone 10b that means sowing around Jan 15 and first picking around Mar 1.

Will marigold survive frost in zone 10b?

No — marigold is frost-sensitive. In zone 10b, wait until after the last frost (around Jan 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 31).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full marigold growing guide →