When to plant Dianthus in Perry County, AR
Aim to plant Dianthus in Perry County on or after February 12; the window stays open through March 5. Perry County's 228-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Dianthus in Perry County, AR
China pinks (Dianthus chinensis) are a reliable cool-season annual offering fringed blooms with a spicy-sweet clove fragrance. They perform best in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, providing vivid color in beds and borders when summer annuals haven't kicked in yet. In warmer zones they are grown as fall–winter–spring annuals. The compact mounding habit and clean foliage make them excellent edging and container plants.
Perry County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 663 feet, Perry County receives approximately 51.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Dianthus during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Dianthus root diseases.
Perry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Dianthus Planting Timeline — Perry County, AR
Dianthus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Bloom | April 9 | Apr 9 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Perry County
Growing Tips for Perry County
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost for spring transplants, or direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked — seeds tolerate light frost. Can also be direct-sown in late summer for fall bloom. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage; poorly drained soil causes crown rot. Deadhead regularly to extend bloom. In zones 8–10, plant as a fall annual for winter– spring color; plants decline in summer heat.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dianthus in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dianthus in Perry County, AR?
Perry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Dianthus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Perry County, AR?
Perry County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.
When should I plant Dianthus in Perry County, AR?
In Perry County, AR, plant Dianthus after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Perry County, AR for Dianthus?
Perry County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Dianthus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dianthus grow in Perry County's climate?
Yes — Dianthus grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 9.
Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Perry 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.