When to plant marigold in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 22 · Sow Apr 5 · First harvest May 20 · Wrap by Sep 9

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsFeb 22

Direct sowApr 5

First harvestMay 20

Last harvestSep 9

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 7b?

Marigold matures in about 45–55 days from sowing. In zone 7b that means sowing around Apr 5 and first picking around May 20.

Will marigold survive frost in zone 7b?

No — marigold is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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