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When to plant Black Beans in Wakulla County, FL

Spring Black Beans in Wakulla County goes in March 20–April 10, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Black Beans in Wakulla County, FL

Wakulla County, Florida Zone 9a July

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Avg. last frost March 13
Avg. first frost November 22
Soil temp (4") 90°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

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Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Wakulla County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Black Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Black Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Wakulla County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
254 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
254 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Wakulla County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Black Beans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (110 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 24
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Aug 25

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 Wakulla County

How your county's soil matches Black Beans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.9–5.9) is more acidic than Black Beans prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Wakulla County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Black Beans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Black Beans.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Black Beans.

How to Plant Black Beans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Black Beans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,130 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans

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

Month Black Beans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Black Beans 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.

Black Beans needs ~2,231 GDD — county provides 5,397 GDD Excellent fit

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Wakulla County, FL

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 10
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 7

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

90–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

254 days in Wakulla County

Growing Tips for Black Beans in Wakulla County

Direct sow Black Beans outdoors after March 13 in Wakulla County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Wakulla County dries quickly — mulch Black Beans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

Common pests for Black Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Wakulla County, FL?

Wakulla County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wakulla County, FL?

Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 22.

When should I plant Black Beans in Wakulla County, FL?

In Wakulla County, FL, plant Black Beans after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wakulla County, FL for Black Beans?

Wakulla County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Black Beans grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Black Beans grow in Wakulla County's climate?

Yes — Black Beans grows well in Wakulla County's temperate climate. Wakulla County averages a 254-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 22.

🌱

Your Wakulla County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wakulla 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 Wakulla County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.