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When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Hampton, FL

Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Hampton, between February 15 and March 1 — the only viable window. Zone 9a's short season (272 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Hampton, FL

Bradford County, Florida Zone 9a August

Top priorities for Bradford County, Florida gardeners in August

Your Bradford County, Florida garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for August and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost March 1
Avg. first frost November 28
Soil temp (4") 95°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.1 hrs
  1. Harvest sedum (stonecrop) as they ripen

    Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.

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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.

Hampton, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 272 days.

At an elevation of 297 feet, Bradford County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Sedum (Stonecrop) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sedum (Stonecrop) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sedum (Stonecrop) root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Fall Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Hampton, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
272 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
272 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Hampton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 20 Transplant: Jan 31 🌸 Bloom: May 23 – Aug 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 4 Transplant: Feb 15 🌸 Bloom: Jun 7 – Aug 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (105 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 25 Transplant: Mar 8 🌸 Bloom: Jun 28 – Sep 6

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 Hampton

How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Sedum (Stonecrop) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Bradford County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sedum (Stonecrop) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Sedum (Stonecrop).

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sedum (Stonecrop).

How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)

1"
Planting Depth
18"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)

5
successive plantings in your 272-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 30 to harvest before frost.

Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 2.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 2.1" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bradford 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) needs ~1,762 GDD — county provides 6,392 GDD Excellent fit

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Hampton, FL

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 4 Jan 4 – Jan 18
Transplant Outdoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Bloom June 7 Jun 7 – Aug 16

Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September
October
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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

272 days in Bradford County

Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Hampton

Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after March 01 in Bradford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Bradford County dries quickly — mulch Sedum (Stonecrop) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 98°F in Bradford County, provide afternoon shade for Sedum (Stonecrop) and water deeply in the morning.

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 →

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Hampton, FL?

In Hampton, FL, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hampton, FL for Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Hampton sits in USDA Zone 9a. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Hampton's climate?

Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Hampton's temperate climate. Hampton averages a 272-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Bradford County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bradford 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bradford County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.