When to plant Geraniums in Houston County, MN
In Houston County, Geraniums is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 10–May 24 for an 70–100-day harvest, finishing well before the October 6 first frost.
When to Plant Geraniums in Houston County, MN
This month in Houston County, Minnesota
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: geraniums
- First harvests: geraniums
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.
Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 558 feet, Houston County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Geraniums to ensure they mature before fall.
Houston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums 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 Houston County
How your county's soil matches Geraniums's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Geraniums's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Houston County is excellent for Geraniums — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Geraniums will thrive.
How to Plant Geraniums
Succession Planting Geraniums
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.
Geraniums Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Houston County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Geraniums 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.
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Houston County, MN
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Bloom | July 19 | Jul 19 – Oct 11 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
156 days in Houston County
Growing Tips for Geraniums in Houston County
Direct sow Geraniums outdoors after May 03 in Houston County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in Houston County, MN?
Houston County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Houston County, MN?
Houston County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Geraniums in Houston County, MN?
In Houston County, MN, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Houston County, MN for Geraniums?
Houston County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Houston County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Houston County's temperate climate. Houston County averages a 156-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 6.
Your Houston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Houston County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.