When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Oldham County, KY
Oldham County's short 195-day growing season means one Bleeding Hearts planting between April 17 and May 1. No fall crop in Zone 6b.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Oldham County, KY
Your June game plan for Oldham County, Kentucky
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Oldham County, Kentucky.
Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are elegant woodland perennials producing arching stems hung with distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers with protruding inner petals — the "drops" beneath each heart. A beloved heirloom perennial from Asia, bleeding hearts emerge vigorously in spring, bloom prolifically for 4–6 weeks, and then go dormant in summer heat — a natural die-back that is entirely normal. The dormancy gap should be planned for by interplanting with summer-emerging hostas, ferns, or impatiens. Fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia), a US native, has a longer bloom season and does not go fully dormant. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Oldham County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 3,065 feet, Oldham County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bleeding Hearts root diseases.
Oldham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts 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 Oldham County
How your county's soil matches Bleeding Hearts's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.5) is more acidic than Bleeding Hearts prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Oldham County is excellent for Bleeding Hearts — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Bleeding Hearts.
How to Plant Bleeding Hearts
Succession Planting Bleeding Hearts
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Bleeding Hearts Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bleeding Hearts Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Oldham County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bleeding Hearts 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.
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Oldham County, KY
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Bloom | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 30" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Oldham County
Growing Tips for Bleeding Hearts in Oldham County
Direct sow Bleeding Hearts outdoors after April 10 in Oldham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Plant bare-root crowns in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall at least 6 weeks before hard freeze. Set eyes 1–2 inches below soil level. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; deep shade is tolerated but reduces bloom. Keep moist but well-drained — will not tolerate waterlogged soil. After flowering, the foliage will yellow and die back in summer heat — this is normal. Do not cut back until foliage turns fully yellow; the plant is storing energy. Mark the location to avoid disturbing crowns during summer dormancy. Divide every 4–5 years in early spring. Year 2+ plants produce the fullest flowering display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bleeding Hearts in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Oldham County, KY?
Oldham County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oldham County, KY?
Oldham County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Oldham County, KY?
In Oldham County, KY, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Oldham County, KY for Bleeding Hearts?
Oldham County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Bleeding Hearts grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bleeding Hearts grow in Oldham County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Oldham County's temperate climate. Oldham County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.
Your Oldham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Oldham 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.