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When to plant Begonias in Baker County, GA

Baker County's 261-day season only supports one Begonias planting per year. Sow between February 19 and March 5 for the best chance at full maturity before November 21.

When to Plant Begonias in Baker County, GA

Baker County, Georgia Zone 8b June

Your June game plan for Baker County, Georgia

Your garden in Baker County, Georgia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost March 5
Avg. first frost November 21
Soil temp (4") 82°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. Pick begonias

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

Before July arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: begonias

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Wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens) are the workhorse shade bedding plant of American horticulture, offering continuous bloom from transplant to hard frost. Bronze or green-leaved varieties perform well from deep shade to full sun (in northern zones) and tolerate summer humidity better than most cool- season flowers. A staple of mass plantings, containers, and window boxes.

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Baker County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Begonias, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant
Baker County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Baker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Begonias Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 13 Transplant: Feb 7 🌸 Bloom: Apr 18 – Sep 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 25 Transplant: Feb 19 🌸 Bloom: Apr 30 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 12 🌸 Bloom: May 21 – Oct 22

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 Baker County

How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) is within Begonias's preferred range (5.5–6.5).

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Baker County is excellent for Begonias — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Begonias.

How to Plant Begonias

8"
Between Plants
10"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Begonias

4
successive plantings in your 261-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.

Begonias Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 621 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Begonias

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

Month Begonias Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Begonias 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.

Begonias needs ~1,520 GDD — county provides 4,959 GDD Excellent fit

Begonias Planting Timeline — Baker County, GA

Begonias Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 25 Dec 25 – Jan 8
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Bloom April 30 Apr 30 – Oct 1

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

261 days in Baker County

Growing Tips for Begonias in Baker County

Direct sow Begonias outdoors after March 05 in Baker County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Baker County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Begonias. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine; surface-sow on moist mix under lights, do not cover. Bottom heat (70–75°F) speeds germination. Transplant after frost; begonias are not direct-sown in practice. Pinch seedlings once for branching. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions. Bronze-leaf types tolerate more sun; green- leaf types prefer shade to part-sun.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Begonias in Baker County, GA?

Baker County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baker County, GA?

Baker County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 21.

When should I plant Begonias in Baker County, GA?

In Baker County, GA, plant Begonias after the last frost (around March 5) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baker County, GA for Begonias?

Baker County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Begonias grow in Baker County's climate?

Yes — Begonias grows well in Baker County's temperate climate. Baker County averages a 261-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 5 and first frost around November 21.

🌱

Your Baker County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baker County (Zone 8b). 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 Baker County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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