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When to plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Greeley County, KS

In Greeley County, Sedum (Stonecrop) is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 7–May 21 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 10 first frost.

When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Greeley County, KS

Greeley County, Kansas Zone 6a July

This month in Greeley County, Kansas

Each item below is timed to Greeley County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost April 30
Avg. first frost October 10
Soil temp (4") 75°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.4 hrs
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Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, formerly Sedum spectabile) is a supremely tough, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its late-season interest. The flat-topped clusters of starry flowers open pink in late summer and deepen to copper-red as temperatures cool, remaining attractive well into fall and providing seed heads that feed birds through winter. Succulent foliage emerges blue-green in spring, is handsome all season, and turns bronzy after frost. Remarkably adaptable — thrives in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where other perennials struggle — and virtually maintenance-free once established.

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 963 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sedum (Stonecrop) during the growing season.

Perennial Blooms in Fall Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Greeley County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Greeley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: May 3 🌸 Bloom: Aug 23 – Nov 8
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: May 7 🌸 Bloom: Aug 27 – Nov 12
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: May 20 🌸 Bloom: Sep 9 – Nov 25

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 Greeley County

How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Sedum (Stonecrop)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Greeley County is excellent for Sedum (Stonecrop) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Sedum (Stonecrop).

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Sedum (Stonecrop).

How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)

1"
Planting Depth
18"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)

3
successive plantings in your 163-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.

Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 185 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum (Stonecrop) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 2" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 2.2" 2.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 1.4" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 2.2" 1.6" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 2.2" 2" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 2.2" 2" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.2" 1.7" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Greeley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sedum (Stonecrop) 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.

Sedum (Stonecrop) needs ~1,144 GDD — county provides 2,485 GDD Excellent fit

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Greeley County, KS

Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 – May 21
Bloom August 27 Aug 27 – Nov 12

Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/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

163 days in Greeley County

Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Greeley County

Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after April 30 in Greeley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Greeley County receives only 21" of rain annually. Sedum (Stonecrop) needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

Plant divisions or container plants in spring after frost danger passes, or in early fall. Excellent drainage is the primary requirement — upright border sedums will rot in wet, heavy soils over winter. Lean soil actually improves performance; avoid over-fertilizing which causes floppy stems. Tall cultivars (Autumn Joy, Matrona) may need light staking in rich soil. Divide every 3–4 years in spring when centers become sparse. Deadhead selectively — leaving seed heads through winter extends ornamental interest and feeds goldfinches. Very low water requirement once established. Year 2+ plants reach full clump size and peak bloom display.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Greeley County, KS?

In Greeley County, KS, plant Sedum (Stonecrop) after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Greeley County, KS for Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Greeley County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Sedum (Stonecrop) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in Greeley County's climate?

Yes — Sedum (Stonecrop) grows well in Greeley County's temperate climate. Greeley County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 10.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Greeley 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Greeley County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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