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When to plant Geraniums in Rush County, KS

Rush County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Geraniums May 1–May 15 for the single annual harvest; the October 15 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Geraniums in Rush County, KS

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.

Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 759 feet, Rush County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Rush County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Rush County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

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 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Geraniums Planting Timeline — Rush County, KS

Geraniums Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Bloom July 10 Jul 10 – Oct 16

Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Rush County

Growing Tips for Rush County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Geraniums in Rush County, KS?

Rush County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rush County, KS?

Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Geraniums in Rush County, KS?

In Rush County, KS, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rush County, KS for Geraniums?

Rush County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Geraniums grow in Rush County's climate?

Yes — Geraniums grows well in Rush County's temperate climate. Rush County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.

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Your Rush County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rush 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.

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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 Rush County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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