When to plant Vinca (Annual) in Benton County, AR
Benton County's 199-day season only supports one Vinca (Annual) planting per year. Sow between April 9 and April 23 for the best chance at full maturity before October 25.
When to Plant Vinca (Annual) in Benton County, AR
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.
Benton County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 905 feet, Benton County receives approximately 50.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Vinca (Annual) during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Vinca (Annual) root diseases.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Vinca (Annual) Planting Timeline — Benton County, AR
Vinca (Annual) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Oct 8 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton County
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 Benton County, AR?
Benton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Vinca (Annual) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, AR?
Benton County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in Benton County, AR?
In Benton County, AR, plant Vinca (Annual) after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, AR for Vinca (Annual)?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Vinca (Annual) grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Vinca (Annual) grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Vinca (Annual) grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.