When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in St. Johns County, FL
In St. Johns County, Sedum (Stonecrop) is a spring-only crop. Plant January 19–February 2 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in St. Johns County, FL
Your July planting checklist for St. Johns County, Florida
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Johns County, Florida.
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Basket week: sedum (stonecrop)
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
St. Johns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
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 St. Johns County
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 St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sedum (Stonecrop) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sedum (Stonecrop).
How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)
Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns 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 — St. Johns County, FL
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 15 | Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Bloom | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in St. Johns County
Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns 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 99°F in St. Johns 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 →
Sedum (Stonecrop) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in St. Johns County, FL?
In St. Johns County, FL, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Johns County, FL for Sedum (Stonecrop)?
St. Johns County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in St. Johns County's climate?
Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in St. Johns County's temperate climate. St. Johns County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.