When to plant Geraniums in Lane County County,
Lane County County's 173-day season only supports one Geraniums planting per year. Sow between May 2 and May 16 for the best chance at full maturity before October 15.
When to Plant Geraniums in Lane County, KS
June to-do list for Lane County, Kansas
Welcome to June in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: geraniums
- First harvests: geraniums
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.
Lane County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,086 feet, Lane County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season.
Lane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums 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 Lane County
How your county's soil matches Geraniums's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.7) is more alkaline than Geraniums prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lane County is excellent for Geraniums — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Geraniums.
How to Plant Geraniums
Succession Planting Geraniums
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
Geraniums Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Geraniums
Geraniums needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Geraniums Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Geraniums 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.
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Lane County, KS
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Bloom | July 11 | Jul 11 – Oct 10 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Lane County
Growing Tips for Geraniums in Lane County
Direct sow Geraniums outdoors after April 25 in Lane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in Lane County, KS?
Lane County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lane County, KS?
Lane County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Geraniums in Lane County County, ?
In Lane County County, , plant Geraniums after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lane County County, for Geraniums?
Lane County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Lane County County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Lane County County's temperate climate. Lane County County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 15.
Your Lane County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lane 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.