When to plant Lobelia in Dade County, GA
Dade County's short 213-day growing season means one Lobelia planting between March 4 and March 18. No fall crop in Zone 7b.
When to Plant Lobelia in Dade County, GA
Your July game plan for Dade County, Georgia
Your Dade County, Georgia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the lobelia
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a cool-season annual prized for the intense cobalt blue that is rare among bedding flowers. It blooms most prolifically in spring and early summer but stalls or dies back during heat peaks above 90°F. In zones 3–7 it delivers a long display; in zones 8–9 it is best treated as a spring annual that fades by midsummer. Trailing types cascade beautifully from containers and window boxes.
Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Dade County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lobelia during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lobelia, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lobelia root diseases.
Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lobelia 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 Dade County
How your county's soil matches Lobelia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Lobelia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dade County is excellent for Lobelia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Lobelia.
How to Plant Lobelia
Succession Planting Lobelia
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
Lobelia Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lobelia
Lobelia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lobelia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lobelia 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.
Lobelia Planting Timeline — Dade County, GA
Lobelia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Bloom | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
213 days in Dade County
Growing Tips for Lobelia in Dade County
Direct sow Lobelia outdoors after April 01 in Dade County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dade County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lobelia. 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 and requires light to germinate; surface-sow and press gently. Keep at 65–70°F. Not reliably direct-sown. Transplant in cool weather, 2–4 weeks before last frost date is acceptable in zones 5+. Shear plants by one-third after the first bloom flush to encourage a second flush in fall. Provide afternoon shade in zones 7+ to extend bloom into summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lobelia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lobelia in Dade County, GA?
Dade County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dade County, GA?
Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Lobelia in Dade County, GA?
In Dade County, GA, plant Lobelia after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dade County, GA for Lobelia?
Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Lobelia grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lobelia grow in Dade County's climate?
Yes — Lobelia grows well in Dade County's temperate climate. Dade County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 31.
Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.