When to plant Ageratum in Cross County, AR
Plant Ageratum in Cross County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 12. Continue planting through April 2 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Ageratum in Cross County, AR
Cross County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your June plan
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Cross County, Arkansas.
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Collect ageratum at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: ageratum
Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, Cross County receives approximately 53.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ageratum root diseases.
Cross County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Ageratum 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 Cross County
How your county's soil matches Ageratum's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Ageratum's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cross County is excellent for Ageratum — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Ageratum.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Ageratum.
How to Plant Ageratum
Succession Planting Ageratum
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
Ageratum Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ageratum
Ageratum needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ageratum Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cross County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ageratum 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.
Ageratum Planting Timeline — Cross County, AR
Ageratum Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Bloom | May 7 | May 7 – Sep 24 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
233 days in Cross County
Growing Tips for Ageratum in Cross County
Direct sow Ageratum outdoors after March 19 in Cross County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ageratum in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ageratum in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ageratum in Cross County, AR?
Cross County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Ageratum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cross County, AR?
Cross County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 7.
When should I plant Ageratum in Cross County, AR?
In Cross County, AR, plant Ageratum after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cross County, AR for Ageratum?
Cross County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ageratum grow in Cross County's climate?
Yes — Ageratum grows well in Cross County's temperate climate. Cross County averages a 233-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 7.
Your Cross County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cross 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.