When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Union County, FL
Union County's short 271-day growing season means one Sedum (Stonecrop) planting between February 15 and March 1. No fall crop in Zone 9a.
When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Union County, FL
This month in Union County, Florida
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Union County, Florida this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: sedum (stonecrop)
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: sedum (stonecrop)
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.
Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.
At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 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.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6
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 Union County
How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) is more acidic than Sedum (Stonecrop) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Union 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 (1.3%). 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 Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union 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 — Union County, 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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
271 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Union County
Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after March 01 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Union 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 96°F in Union 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 Union County, FL?
Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, FL?
Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Union County, FL?
In Union County, FL, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, FL for Sedum (Stonecrop)?
Union County 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 Union County's climate?
Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 271-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 27.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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.