When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Decatur County County,
In Decatur County County, Bleeding Hearts is a spring-only crop. Plant May 7–May 21 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Decatur County, KS
What to do in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Decatur County, Kansas this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Get ahead of July
- Starting indoors: bleeding hearts
- 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.
Decatur County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 840 feet, Decatur County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season.
Decatur County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Decatur County
How your county's soil matches Bleeding Hearts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Bleeding Hearts prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Decatur County is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Bleeding Hearts.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). 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 09 to harvest before frost.
Bleeding Hearts Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Decatur 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 — Decatur County, KS
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Bloom | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 6 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Decatur County
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts in Decatur County
Direct sow Bleeding Hearts outdoors after April 30 in Decatur 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 Decatur County, KS?
Decatur County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Decatur County, KS?
Decatur County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Decatur County County, ?
In Decatur County County, , plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Decatur County County, for Bleeding Hearts?
Decatur 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 Decatur County County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Decatur County County's temperate climate. Decatur County County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Decatur County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Decatur 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.