When to plant Begonias in Clay County, IL
Clay County's 186-day season only supports one Begonias planting per year. Sow between April 21 and May 5 for the best chance at full maturity before October 17.
When to Plant Begonias in Clay County, IL
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.
Clay County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Clay County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias Planting Timeline — Clay County, IL
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Bloom | June 30 | Jun 30 – Oct 6 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay County
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 Clay County, IL?
Clay County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, IL?
Clay County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Begonias in Clay County, IL?
In Clay County, IL, plant Begonias after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, IL for Begonias?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Begonias grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Begonias grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 17.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.