When to plant Begonias in Fulton County, GA
Plant Begonias in Fulton County, between March 16 and March 30 — the only viable window. Zone 8a's short season (228 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Begonias in Fulton County, GA
Fulton County, Georgia gardeners: here's your July plan
Each item below is timed to Fulton County, Georgia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: begonias
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: begonias
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.
Fulton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 457 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Begonias root diseases.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias 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 Fulton 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 Fulton County is excellent for Begonias — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Begonias.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Begonias.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Begonias Water Budget
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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fulton 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 Planting Timeline — Fulton County, GA
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Bloom | May 25 | May 25 – Oct 12 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Fulton County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after March 23 in Fulton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Fulton County's clay soil (26% 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 →
Begonias in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Begonias in Fulton County, GA?
Fulton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, GA?
Fulton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Begonias in Fulton County, GA?
In Fulton County, GA, plant Begonias after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fulton County, GA for Begonias?
Fulton County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Begonias grow in Fulton County's climate?
Yes — Begonias grows well in Fulton County's temperate climate. Fulton County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton 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.