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When to plant Begonias in Bath County, KY

In Bath County, Begonias is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 23–May 7 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 24 first frost.

When to Plant Begonias in Bath County, KY

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.

Bath County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 2,458 feet, Bath County receives approximately 43.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant
Bath County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Bath County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Begonias Planting Timeline — Bath County, KY

Begonias Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Bloom July 2 Jul 2 – Oct 8

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Bath County

Growing Tips for Bath County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Begonias in Bath County, KY?

Bath County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bath County, KY?

Bath County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Begonias in Bath County, KY?

In Bath County, KY, plant Begonias after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bath County, KY for Begonias?

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

Can Begonias grow in Bath County's climate?

Yes — Begonias grows well in Bath County's temperate climate. Bath County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.

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Your Bath County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bath 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 Bath County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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