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When to plant Lobelia in Forsyth County, GA

In Forsyth County, Lobelia is a spring-only crop. Plant February 15–March 1 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Lobelia in Forsyth County, GA

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.

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 59 feet, Forsyth County receives approximately 57.9 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.

Annual Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly
Forsyth County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Forsyth County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lobelia Planting Timeline — Forsyth County, GA

Lobelia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Outdoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Bloom April 12 Apr 12 – Jun 7

· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Bloom
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

70–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

236 days in Forsyth County

Growing Tips for Forsyth County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lobelia in Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Forsyth County, GA?

Forsyth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Lobelia in Forsyth County, GA?

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

What growing zone is Forsyth County, GA for Lobelia?

Forsyth County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lobelia grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lobelia grow in Forsyth County's climate?

Yes — Lobelia grows well in Forsyth County's temperate climate. Forsyth County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 13.

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Your Forsyth County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Forsyth 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.

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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 Forsyth County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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