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When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Sumter County County,

Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Sumter County County during the brief January 16–January 30 window. With 304 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before December 6.

When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Sumter County, FL

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.

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.

At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°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
Sumter County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 6
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Sumter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum (Stonecrop) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sumter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Sumter County, FL

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 12 Dec 12 – Dec 26
Transplant Outdoors January 16 Jan 16 – Jan 30
Bloom May 8 May 8 – Jul 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

303 days in Sumter County

Growing Tips for Sumter County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Sumter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Sumter County County, ?

In Sumter County County, , plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around February 6) and before the first frost (around December 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sumter County County, for Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Sumter County 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 Sumter County County's climate?

Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Sumter County County's temperate climate. Sumter County County averages a 304-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 6 and first frost around December 6.

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Your Sumter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sumter 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.

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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 Sumter County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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