When to plant Vinca (Annual) in Mobile County County,
Mobile County County sits in cold Zone 9a. Plant Vinca (Annual) February 10–February 24 for the single annual harvest; the November 24 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Vinca (Annual) in Mobile County, AL
Your June gardening checklist
A quick June briefing for Mobile County, Alabama gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start harvesting vinca (annual)
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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- First harvests: vinca (annual)
Annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also called Madagascar periwinkle, is one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant bedding plants available. Glossy foliage stays attractive all season while cheerful pinwheel blooms continue without deadheading. A top performer in hot, humid Southern summers where impatiens and begonias struggle. Self-cleaning; requires little maintenance once established.
Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 101 feet, Mobile County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Vinca (Annual) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Vinca (Annual) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Mobile County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Vinca (Annual) Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Mobile County
How your county's soil matches Vinca (Annual)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.1) is more acidic than Vinca (Annual) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Mobile County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Vinca (Annual) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Vinca (Annual) prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Vinca (Annual).
How to Plant Vinca (Annual)
Succession Planting Vinca (Annual)
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
Vinca (Annual) Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Vinca (Annual)
Vinca (Annual) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Vinca (Annual) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mobile County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Vinca (Annual) Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Vinca (Annual) Planting Timeline — Mobile County, AL
Vinca (Annual) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 23 | Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Bloom | April 21 | Apr 21 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Mobile County
Growing Tips for Vinca (Annual) in Mobile County
Direct sow Vinca (Annual) outdoors after March 03 in Mobile County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Mobile County dries quickly — mulch Vinca (Annual) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Mobile County, provide afternoon shade for Vinca (Annual) and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination requires warm soil (75–80°F) and darkness. Do not cover seeds deeply; they need just a light dusting. Direct sowing is rarely practiced due to slow seedling establishment. Transplant after soil warms and frost danger has passed. Excellent drought tolerance once established; avoid overwatering. Performs best in well-drained beds or containers in full sun.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Vinca (Annual) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in Mobile County, AL?
Mobile County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Vinca (Annual) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mobile County, AL?
Mobile County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in Mobile County County, ?
In Mobile County County, , plant Vinca (Annual) after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mobile County County, for Vinca (Annual)?
Mobile County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Vinca (Annual) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Vinca (Annual) grow in Mobile County County's climate?
Yes — Vinca (Annual) grows well in Mobile County County's temperate climate. Mobile County County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.
Your Mobile County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mobile County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.