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Growing Calendula in San Francisco

🇺🇸 Zone 9 Planting Guide · Warm-summer Mediterranean climate

USDA Zone 9 355 frost-free days 45-65 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Calendula in San Francisco

Yes, you can grow Calendula in San Francisco, US! Plant during Oct, Nov for best results. San Francisco is in USDA Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate, offering 355 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is easy, and Calendula takes 45-65 days to harvest. Calendula needs full sun and moderate watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Good Match San Francisco + Calendula

San Francisco's temperatures (8°C to 22°C) are within the tolerable range for Calendula (-5°C to 28°C), though not always in the optimal zone (10°C to 22°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.

Calendula tolerates -5°C to 28°C
Optimal: 10°C - 22°C
San Francisco range 8°C to 22°C

San Francisco Climate Data

USDA Zone
9
Frost-Free
355days
Winter Low
8°C
Summer High
22°C
Rainfall
600mm/yr
Climate
Csb
Warm-summer Mediterranean

Calendula Planting Calendar for San Francisco

Green months show the best time to plant Calendula in San Francisco

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Calendula Not recommended

Calendula Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

6+ hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Moderate

Keep soil consistently moist

📅

Days to Harvest

45-65

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

easy

Great for beginners

💡 Growing Tips for Calendula

Deadhead for continuous blooms. Self-seeds readily. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Water steadily but avoid soggy soil. A 5-cm layer of organic mulch helps balance moisture and suppress weeds.

Frost tolerance: Calendula is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

How to Grow Calendula in San Francisco

San Francisco, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). With winter lows of 8°C and summer highs of 22°C, the growing season spans approximately 355 frost-free days. Calendula is one of the easiest plants to grow in this climate.

Calendula thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 22°C, requiring full sun and moderate watering. In San Francisco, the best months to plant Calendula are October, November. Since Calendula can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 45-65 days after planting.

With 600mm of annual rainfall, San Francisco provides moderate natural moisture. This should be adequate for Calendula's water needs.

Other Plants That Grow in San Francisco

More plants you can grow alongside Calendula in San Francisco

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow calendula in San Francisco?

Yes! Calendula can be successfully grown in San Francisco, US. San Francisco is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9 with a Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The difficulty level for growing Calendula here is rated "easy". The best months to plant are October, November.

When should I plant calendula in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, the recommended planting months for Calendula are October, November. San Francisco has 355 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of 8°C and summer highs of 22°C. Calendula is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does calendula take to grow in San Francisco?

Calendula typically takes 45-65 days from planting to harvest. In San Francisco's Warm-summer Mediterranean climate with 355 frost-free days, you have plenty of time to grow Calendula to maturity. Deadhead for continuous blooms. Self-seeds readily. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Water steadily but avoid soggy soil. A 5-cm layer of organic mulch helps balance moisture and suppress weeds.

Can I grow calendula indoors in San Francisco?

Calendula can potentially be grown indoors in San Francisco with proper conditions. It requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light — a south-facing window or grow lights recommended). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Oct, Nov outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and moderate watering.

What month do I plant calendula in San Francisco?

Plant Calendula in San Francisco during October, November. These are the optimal months based on San Francisco's USDA Zone 9 climate, 355 frost-free days, and temperature range of 8°C to 22°C.

Is calendula hard to grow in San Francisco?

Calendula is rated "easy" to grow in San Francisco. This is a great choice for beginners — it is forgiving and adapts well to this climate. The climate match for Calendula in San Francisco is Good.

What grows well with calendula in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, you can grow many companion plants alongside Calendula. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in San Francisco's Zone 9 climate.

Does calendula need full sun in San Francisco?

Calendula requires full sun. In San Francisco, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most garden locations with southern exposure will work well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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