When to plant Astilbe in Crawford County, KS
Crawford County's short 201-day growing season means one Astilbe planting between April 15 and April 29. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Astilbe in Crawford County, KS
Astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii) is a premier perennial for shaded, moist gardens, producing feathery plume-like flower spikes in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender above deeply cut, ferny foliage. Originating in Asia and naturalized in shade gardens worldwide, astilbe thrives where many sun-lovers fail: under trees, beside water features, or in persistently moist woodland borders. The dried flower plumes remain attractive through fall and winter. Different cultivars extend the bloom season from early summer through early fall when several varieties are combined.
Crawford County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 813 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Astilbe during the growing season.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Astilbe
Astilbe needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Astilbe Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Crawford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Astilbe Planting Timeline — Crawford County, KS
Astilbe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Bloom | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Crawford County
Plant bare-root crowns in spring as soon as the ground is workable, setting eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Fall planting (Zones 4+) is equally effective. Consistent moisture is non-negotiable — astilbe will wilt and scorch in drought. Amend with generous compost to improve moisture retention. Partial shade (morning sun, afternoon shade) is ideal; deep shade reduces bloom but foliage remains. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release granular. Divide every 3–5 years in early spring as clumps become congested. Leave plumes standing through winter for ornamental interest and wildlife value. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest bloom spikes; first-year crowns may flower lightly or not at all.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Astilbe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Astilbe in Crawford County, KS?
Crawford County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Astilbe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, KS?
Crawford County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Astilbe in Crawford County, KS?
In Crawford County, KS, plant Astilbe after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County, KS for Astilbe?
Crawford County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Astilbe grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Astilbe grow in Crawford County's climate?
Yes — Astilbe grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford 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.