When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Lake County County,
Lake County County's 187-day season only supports one Bleeding Hearts planting per year. Sow between April 29 and May 13 for the best chance at full maturity before October 26.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Lake County, IN
This month in Lake County, Indiana
Welcome to June in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Get bleeding hearts seeds going inside
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
-
Harvest bleeding hearts as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: bleeding hearts
Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Lake County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,276 feet, Lake County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bleeding Hearts to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts 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 Lake County
How your county's soil matches Bleeding Hearts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Bleeding Hearts's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Bleeding Hearts.
How to Plant Bleeding Hearts
Succession Planting Bleeding Hearts
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
Bleeding Hearts Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bleeding Hearts Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bleeding Hearts 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.
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Lake County, IN
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Bloom | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts in Lake County
Direct sow Bleeding Hearts outdoors after April 22 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Lake County, IN?
Lake County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, IN?
Lake County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Lake County County, ?
In Lake County County, , plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County County, for Bleeding Hearts?
Lake County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Lake County County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Lake County County's temperate climate. Lake County County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 26.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.