When to plant Lobelia in Haskell County, KS
Haskell County's 183-day season only supports one Lobelia planting per year. Sow between April 4 and April 18 for the best chance at full maturity before October 18.
When to Plant Lobelia in Haskell County, KS
Top priorities for Haskell County, Kansas gardeners in June
A quick June briefing for Haskell County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start lobelia indoors
You're about 16 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Harvest lobelia as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: lobelia
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a cool-season annual prized for the intense cobalt blue that is rare among bedding flowers. It blooms most prolifically in spring and early summer but stalls or dies back during heat peaks above 90°F. In zones 3–7 it delivers a long display; in zones 8–9 it is best treated as a spring annual that fades by midsummer. Trailing types cascade beautifully from containers and window boxes.
Haskell County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 824 feet, Haskell County receives approximately 24.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lobelia during the growing season.
Haskell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Lobelia 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 Haskell County
How your county's soil matches Lobelia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.4) overlaps with Lobelia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Haskell County is excellent for Lobelia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Lobelia will thrive.
How to Plant Lobelia
Succession Planting Lobelia
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Lobelia Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Lobelia
Lobelia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lobelia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Haskell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lobelia 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.
Lobelia Planting Timeline — Haskell County, KS
Lobelia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Bloom | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 22 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| 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
70–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Haskell County
Growing Tips for Lobelia in Haskell County
Direct sow Lobelia outdoors after April 18 in Haskell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Haskell County receives only 24" of rain annually. Lobelia needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine and requires light to germinate; surface-sow and press gently. Keep at 65–70°F. Not reliably direct-sown. Transplant in cool weather, 2–4 weeks before last frost date is acceptable in zones 5+. Shear plants by one-third after the first bloom flush to encourage a second flush in fall. Provide afternoon shade in zones 7+ to extend bloom into summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lobelia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lobelia in Haskell County, KS?
Haskell County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Haskell County, KS?
Haskell County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Lobelia in Haskell County, KS?
In Haskell County, KS, plant Lobelia after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Haskell County, KS for Lobelia?
Haskell County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lobelia grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lobelia grow in Haskell County's climate?
Yes — Lobelia grows well in Haskell County's temperate climate. Haskell County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your Haskell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Haskell County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.