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When to plant Ageratum in Hamilton County County,

Hamilton County County's climate puts the Ageratum spring window between April 9 and April 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.

When to Plant Ageratum in Hamilton County, IL

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.

Hamilton County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.

At an elevation of 524 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Hamilton County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
197 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
197 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23
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Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Ageratum

Ageratum needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Ageratum Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hamilton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ageratum Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, IL

Ageratum Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Bloom June 4 Jun 4 – Sep 17

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

197 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton County

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ageratum in Hamilton County, IL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Ageratum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, IL?

Hamilton County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Ageratum in Hamilton County County, ?

In Hamilton County County, , plant Ageratum after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County County, for Ageratum?

Hamilton County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ageratum grow in Hamilton County County's climate?

Yes — Ageratum grows well in Hamilton County County's temperate climate. Hamilton County County averages a 197-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 23.

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Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton 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.

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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 Hamilton County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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