When to plant Ageratum in Compton, AR
Compton's spring Ageratum window runs April 13 through May 4. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Ageratum in Compton, AR
July in the garden — Newton County, Arkansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Newton County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Pick ageratum
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Compton, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, Newton County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Ageratum's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Ageratum's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Newton County is excellent for Ageratum — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Ageratum.
How to Plant Ageratum
Succession Planting Ageratum
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Newton 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 — Compton, AR
Ageratum Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Bloom | June 8 | Jun 8 – Oct 12 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Newton County
Growing Tips for Ageratum in Compton
Direct sow Ageratum outdoors after April 13 in Newton 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
When should I plant Ageratum in Compton, AR?
In Compton, AR, plant Ageratum after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, AR for Ageratum?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 7b. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ageratum grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Ageratum grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 22.
Your Newton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Newton County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.