When to plant Begonias in Madison County, FL
Plant Begonias in Madison County during the brief February 12–February 26 window. With 265 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 25.
When to Plant Begonias in Madison County, FL
August to-do list for Madison County, Florida
Each item below is timed to Madison County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting begonias
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before September arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Madison County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.
At an elevation of 434 feet, Madison County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.7
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 Madison County
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.7) is more acidic than Begonias prefers (5.5–6.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Madison 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 (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Begonias.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 27 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Madison 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 — Madison County, FL
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 25 | Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Bloom | April 23 | Apr 23 – Oct 22 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| 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
265 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Madison County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after March 05 in Madison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Madison County dries quickly — mulch Begonias with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Madison County, FL?
Madison County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, FL?
Madison County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 25.
When should I plant Begonias in Madison County, FL?
In Madison County, FL, plant Begonias after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, FL for Begonias?
Madison 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 Madison County's climate?
Yes — Begonias grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 265-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 25.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.