When to plant Geraniums in Pulaski County, IL
Pulaski County's short 196-day growing season means one Geraniums planting between April 9 and April 23. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Geraniums in Pulaski County, IL
Your June gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Pulaski County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Indoor seed-starting week for geraniums
You're about 17 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Start harvesting geraniums
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: geraniums
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 1,244 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums 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 Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Geraniums's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.1) overlaps with Geraniums's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Geraniums — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Geraniums.
How to Plant Geraniums
Succession Planting Geraniums
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
Geraniums Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Geraniums
Geraniums needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Geraniums Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Geraniums 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.
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, IL
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Oct 8 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Geraniums in Pulaski County
Direct sow Geraniums outdoors after April 09 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, IL?
Pulaski County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Geraniums in Pulaski County, IL?
In Pulaski County, IL, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pulaski County, IL for Geraniums?
Pulaski County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Pulaski County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 22.
Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.