When to plant Begonias in Randolph County, IL
Randolph County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Begonias April 11–April 25 for the single annual harvest; the October 20 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Begonias in Randolph 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.
Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season.
Randolph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias Planting Timeline — Randolph County, IL
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Bloom | June 20 | Jun 20 – Oct 10 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" 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
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Randolph County
Growing Tips for Randolph 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 Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Randolph County, IL?
Randolph County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Begonias in Randolph County, IL?
In Randolph County, IL, plant Begonias after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Randolph County, IL for Begonias?
Randolph County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Begonias grow in Randolph County's climate?
Yes — Begonias grows well in Randolph County's temperate climate. Randolph County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 20.
Your Randolph County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Randolph 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.