When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Franklin County, AR
Franklin County's short 217-day growing season means one Bleeding Hearts planting between March 29 and April 12. No fall crop in Zone 8a.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Franklin County, AR
Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Franklin County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 1,224 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Franklin County, AR
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Bloom | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 14 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin County
Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Franklin County, AR?
Franklin County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, AR?
Franklin County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 1.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Franklin County, AR?
In Franklin County, AR, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around March 29) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, AR for Bleeding Hearts?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 29 and first frost around November 1.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.