When to plant Begonias in Jackson County, KS
Plant Begonias in Jackson County during the brief April 21–May 5 window. With 191 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 22.
When to Plant Begonias in Jackson County, KS
Your June planting checklist for Jackson County, Kansas
June is a pivotal month for Jackson County, Kansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Indoor seed-starting week for begonias
These need a head start before your last frost (April 14). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Harvest begonias as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: begonias
Wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens) are the workhorse shade bedding plant of American horticulture, offering continuous bloom from transplant to hard frost. Bronze or green-leaved varieties perform well from deep shade to full sun (in northern zones) and tolerate summer humidity better than most cool- season flowers. A staple of mass plantings, containers, and window boxes.
Jackson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 909 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 25.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias 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 Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Begonias prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Begonias — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Begonias.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Begonias will thrive.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Begonias Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Begonias
Begonias needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Begonias Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Begonias 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.
Begonias Planting Timeline — Jackson County, KS
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Bloom | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 29 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Jackson County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after April 14 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine; surface-sow on moist mix under lights, do not cover. Bottom heat (70–75°F) speeds germination. Transplant after frost; begonias are not direct-sown in practice. Pinch seedlings once for branching. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions. Bronze-leaf types tolerate more sun; green- leaf types prefer shade to part-sun.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Begonias in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Begonias in Jackson County, KS?
Jackson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, KS?
Jackson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Begonias in Jackson County, KS?
In Jackson County, KS, plant Begonias after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, KS for Begonias?
Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Begonias grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Begonias grow in Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Begonias grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 22.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.