When to plant Alliums in Sumner County, KS
Aim to plant Alliums in Sumner County on or after mid-spring; the window stays open through late spring. Sumner County's 198-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 21 to October 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Alliums in Sumner County, KS
Ornamental alliums (Allium spp.) bridge the gap between spring and summer with their striking globe-shaped flower heads in shades of purple, violet, white, and pink. Blooming after tulips have faded, they extend the spring display well into early summer. 'Gladiator', 'Globemaster', and 'Purple Sensation' produce softball-sized heads on 18–36 inch stems, while smaller species create charming accents at border fronts. Deer and rodents shun them completely due to the characteristic onion scent. Dried seed heads provide architectural interest into fall.
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Alliums during the growing season.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Alliums Planting Timeline — Sumner County, KS
Alliums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | October 19 | Oct 19 – Nov 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
Plant 5" deep · 7" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
28–42 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Sumner County
Growing Tips for Sumner County
Plant bulbs in fall, 3–4 times as deep as the bulb diameter (typically 4–6 inches for large types, 3 inches for small species). Space 6–8 inches apart for standard cultivars. Foliage often looks untidy as it dies back before bloom — plant around perennials that will conceal the yellowing leaves. Excellent drainage is essential; alliums rot in wet soils. Leave bulbs in place for naturalization; divide every 3–4 years when clusters become congested. Deadhead spent globes or leave for ornamental seedheads and self-sowing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Alliums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Alliums in Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Alliums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Alliums in Sumner County, KS?
In Sumner County, KS, plant Alliums after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner County, KS for Alliums?
Sumner County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Alliums grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Alliums grow in Sumner County's climate?
Yes — Alliums grows well in Sumner County's temperate climate. Sumner County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.