When to plant Begonias in Dixie County County,
Dixie County County sits in cold Zone 9a. Plant Begonias February 18–March 4 for the single annual harvest; the November 23 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Begonias in Dixie County, FL
Your June gardening checklist
June is a pivotal month for Dixie County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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It's harvest week for begonias
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: begonias
Wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens) are the workhorse shade bedding plant of American horticulture, offering continuous bloom from transplant to hard frost. Bronze or green-leaved varieties perform well from deep shade to full sun (in northern zones) and tolerate summer humidity better than most cool- season flowers. A staple of mass plantings, containers, and window boxes.
Dixie County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.
At an elevation of 428 feet, Dixie County receives approximately 55.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Begonias may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Begonias will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Begonias root diseases.
Dixie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias 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 Dixie County
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.0) is more acidic than Begonias prefers (5.5–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Dixie County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Begonias will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Begonias.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Begonias.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Begonias Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Begonias
Begonias needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Begonias Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dixie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Begonias 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.
Begonias Planting Timeline — Dixie County, FL
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 31 | Dec 31 – Jan 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Bloom | April 29 | Apr 29 – Oct 28 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
257 days in Dixie County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Dixie County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after March 11 in Dixie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Dixie County dries quickly — mulch Begonias with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Dixie County, provide afternoon shade for Begonias and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine; surface-sow on moist mix under lights, do not cover. Bottom heat (70–75°F) speeds germination. Transplant after frost; begonias are not direct-sown in practice. Pinch seedlings once for branching. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions. Bronze-leaf types tolerate more sun; green- leaf types prefer shade to part-sun.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Begonias in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Begonias in Dixie County, FL?
Dixie County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dixie County, FL?
Dixie County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 23.
When should I plant Begonias in Dixie County County, ?
In Dixie County County, , plant Begonias after the last frost (around March 11) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dixie County County, for Begonias?
Dixie County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Begonias grow in Dixie County County's climate?
Yes — Begonias grows well in Dixie County County's temperate climate. Dixie County County averages a 257-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 11 and first frost around November 23.
Your Dixie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dixie County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.