When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Kent County, DE
In Kent County, Sedum (Stonecrop) is a spring-only crop. Plant April 9–April 23 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Kent County, DE
July in the garden — Kent County, Delaware
July is a pivotal month for Kent County, Delaware gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick sedum (stonecrop)
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: sedum (stonecrop)
Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, formerly Sedum spectabile) is a supremely tough, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its late-season interest. The flat-topped clusters of starry flowers open pink in late summer and deepen to copper-red as temperatures cool, remaining attractive well into fall and providing seed heads that feed birds through winter. Succulent foliage emerges blue-green in spring, is handsome all season, and turns bronzy after frost. Remarkably adaptable — thrives in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where other perennials struggle — and virtually maintenance-free once established.
Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Sedum (Stonecrop) during the growing season.
Kent County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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 Kent County
How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.8) overlaps with Sedum (Stonecrop)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kent County is excellent for Sedum (Stonecrop) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Sedum (Stonecrop).
How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)
Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum (Stonecrop) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | July 30 | Jul 30 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Kent County
Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Kent County
Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after April 02 in Kent County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Plant divisions or container plants in spring after frost danger passes, or in early fall. Excellent drainage is the primary requirement — upright border sedums will rot in wet, heavy soils over winter. Lean soil actually improves performance; avoid over-fertilizing which causes floppy stems. Tall cultivars (Autumn Joy, Matrona) may need light staking in rich soil. Divide every 3–4 years in spring when centers become sparse. Deadhead selectively — leaving seed heads through winter extends ornamental interest and feeds goldfinches. Very low water requirement once established. Year 2+ plants reach full clump size and peak bloom display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sedum (Stonecrop) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Kent County, DE?
Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kent County, DE?
Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Kent County, DE?
In Kent County, DE, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kent County, DE for Sedum (Stonecrop)?
Kent County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Kent County's climate?
Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.
Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kent 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.