When to Plant Marigolds in Arizona

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
PhoenixNov 24 – Dec 8Jan 12 – Jan 19
TucsonDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 27 – Feb 3
MesaJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
ChandlerJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
GilbertJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
GlendaleDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 27 – Feb 3
ScottsdaleJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
PeoriaDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 27 – Feb 3
TempeJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
Tempe JunctionJan 2 – Jan 16Feb 20 – Feb 27
SurpriseDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 27 – Feb 3
YumaNov 27 – Dec 11Jan 15 – Jan 22
San Tan ValleyDec 21 – Jan 4Feb 8 – Feb 15
AvondaleNov 26 – Dec 10Jan 14 – Jan 21
GoodyearNov 26 – Dec 10Jan 14 – Jan 21
FlagstaffApr 23 – May 7Jun 11 – Jun 18
Casas AdobesJan 15 – Jan 29Mar 5 – Mar 12
Lake Havasu CityNov 24 – Dec 8Jan 12 – Jan 19
Casa GrandeDec 25 – Jan 8Feb 12 – Feb 19
BuckeyeNov 26 – Dec 10Jan 14 – Jan 21
Catalina FoothillsJan 9 – Jan 23Feb 27 – Mar 6
MaricopaJan 12 – Jan 26Mar 2 – Mar 9
Oro ValleyFeb 19 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
Sierra VistaFeb 22 – Mar 8Apr 12 – Apr 19
Prescott ValleyMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 27 – May 4
PrescottMar 19 – Apr 2May 7 – May 14
MaranaJan 12 – Jan 26Mar 2 – Mar 9
Bullhead CityNov 23 – Dec 7Jan 11 – Jan 18
Apache JunctionDec 31 – Jan 14Feb 18 – Feb 25
Sun CityDec 9 – Dec 23Jan 27 – Feb 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Arizona cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arizona cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant marigolds in Arizona?

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Jan 2 – Jan 16, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Arizona?

The average last spring frost in Arizona ranges from January 4 in Bullhead City to June 4 in Flagstaff, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in Arizona

When to plant marigolds in other states

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