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When to plant Freesia in Clark County, AR

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Freesia between mid-spring (after last frost on March 22) and late spring. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Freesia in Clark County, AR

Freesias (Freesia spp.) are prized above almost all other cut flowers for their intense, sweet fragrance — a single stem can fill a room. Slender, arching stems carry one-sided sprays of funnel-shaped flowers in white, yellow, pink, orange, red, purple, and lavender. Native to South Africa's Cape region, freesias thrive in cool, mild weather and go dormant in summer heat, making them ideal for mild-winter climates where they bloom in late winter through spring. The 'Marilyn', 'Blue Heaven', and 'Yellow Rivers' cultivars are staples of the commercial cut flower trade.

Clark County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 1,350 feet, Clark County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Freesia during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Clark County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Freesia

Freesia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Freesia Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Clark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Freesia Planting Timeline — Clark County, AR

Freesia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom October 26 Oct 26 – Nov 23
Fall Sowing September 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

Plant 2" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing Bloom
November Bloom
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

84–112 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

232 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark County

Plant corms 2 inches deep with the pointed end up, 2–3 inches apart, in autumn (September–November in zones 8–10). Full sun and excellent drainage are essential — freesias rot in soggy soil. They need cool but frost-free growing conditions (40–60°F nights) to initiate flower buds; warm nights above 70°F suppress bloom. In zones 8–9, provide a winter mulch if hard frost threatens. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally; this ripens the corm for the following year. In zones 8a–9b, corms may multiply and naturalize over time but perform best when replanted fresh each fall. In zones 10–11, plant from October through December for a January–April bloom. Freesias are toxic to cats and dogs.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Freesia in Clark County, AR?

Clark County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Freesia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, AR?

Clark County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Freesia in Clark County, AR?

In Clark County, AR, plant Freesia after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, AR for Freesia?

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Freesia grows reliably in zones 8a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Freesia grow in Clark County's climate?

Yes — Freesia grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 9.

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Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clark County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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