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When to plant Ageratum in Worcester County County,

Plant Ageratum in Worcester County County from April 24 to May 15 in spring. Worcester County County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 24 and first frost on October 17.

When to Plant Ageratum in Worcester County, MA

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.

Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 972 feet, Worcester County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Worcester County, MA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17
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Worcester County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Ageratum

Ageratum needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Ageratum Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Ageratum Planting Timeline — Worcester County, MA

Ageratum Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Bloom June 19 Jun 19 – Sep 25

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Worcester County

Growing Tips for Worcester County

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ageratum in Worcester County, MA?

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

What planting zone is Worcester County, MA?

Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Ageratum in Worcester County County, ?

In Worcester County County, , plant Ageratum after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Worcester County County, for Ageratum?

Worcester County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ageratum grow in Worcester County County's climate?

Yes — Ageratum grows well in Worcester County County's temperate climate. Worcester County County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Worcester County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Worcester 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.

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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 Worcester County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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