When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Bartow County, GA
Bartow County's 218-day season only supports one Bleeding Hearts planting per year. Sow between March 28 and April 11 for the best chance at full maturity before November 1.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Bartow County, GA
Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 444 feet, Bartow County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Bleeding Hearts, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bleeding Hearts root diseases.
Bartow County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bleeding Hearts Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bartow County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Bartow County, GA
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Bloom | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 13 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Bartow County
Growing Tips for Bartow County
Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Bartow County, GA?
Bartow County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bartow County, GA?
Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 1.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Bartow County, GA?
In Bartow County, GA, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bartow County, GA for Bleeding Hearts?
Bartow County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Bartow County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Bartow County's temperate climate. Bartow County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 1.
Your Bartow County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bartow County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.