When to plant Lobelia in Sharp County County,
In Sharp County County, Lobelia is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant February 26–March 12 for an 80-day harvest, finishing well before the November 2 first frost.
When to Plant Lobelia in Sharp County, AR
Sharp County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your June plan
Your Sharp County, Arkansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Collect lobelia at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: lobelia
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a cool-season annual prized for the intense cobalt blue that is rare among bedding flowers. It blooms most prolifically in spring and early summer but stalls or dies back during heat peaks above 90°F. In zones 3–7 it delivers a long display; in zones 8–9 it is best treated as a spring annual that fades by midsummer. Trailing types cascade beautifully from containers and window boxes.
Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 674 feet, Sharp County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lobelia during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lobelia root diseases.
Sharp County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lobelia 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 Sharp County
How your county's soil matches Lobelia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Lobelia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sharp County is excellent for Lobelia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Lobelia.
How to Plant Lobelia
Succession Planting Lobelia
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
Lobelia Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lobelia
Lobelia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lobelia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sharp County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lobelia 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.
Lobelia Planting Timeline — Sharp County, AR
Lobelia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Bloom | April 23 | Apr 23 – Jul 2 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Sharp County
Growing Tips for Lobelia in Sharp County
Direct sow Lobelia outdoors after March 26 in Sharp County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine and requires light to germinate; surface-sow and press gently. Keep at 65–70°F. Not reliably direct-sown. Transplant in cool weather, 2–4 weeks before last frost date is acceptable in zones 5+. Shear plants by one-third after the first bloom flush to encourage a second flush in fall. Provide afternoon shade in zones 7+ to extend bloom into summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lobelia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lobelia in Sharp County, AR?
Sharp County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sharp County, AR?
Sharp County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Lobelia in Sharp County County, ?
In Sharp County County, , plant Lobelia after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sharp County County, for Lobelia?
Sharp County County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Lobelia grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lobelia grow in Sharp County County's climate?
Yes — Lobelia grows well in Sharp County County's temperate climate. Sharp County County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 2.
Your Sharp County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sharp 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.