When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Elk County, KS
In Elk County, Bleeding Hearts is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 14–April 28 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 25 first frost.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Elk County, KS
Your July planting checklist for Elk County, Kansas
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Elk County, Kansas.
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.
Elk County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 700 feet, Elk County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season.
Elk 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 Elk 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 Elk County is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Bleeding Hearts will thrive.
How to Plant Bleeding Hearts
Succession Planting Bleeding Hearts
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Elk 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 — Elk County, KS
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Bloom | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 7 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Elk County
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts in Elk County
Direct sow Bleeding Hearts outdoors after April 07 in Elk 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 Elk County, KS?
Elk County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elk County, KS?
Elk County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Elk County, KS?
In Elk County, KS, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Elk County, KS for Bleeding Hearts?
Elk County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Elk County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Elk County's temperate climate. Elk County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 25.
Your Elk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Elk 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.