When to plant Geraniums in Pennington County, MN
Plant Geraniums in Pennington County, between May 24 and June 7 — the only viable window. Zone 3b's short season (143 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Geraniums in Pennington County, MN
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.
Pennington County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 854 feet, Pennington County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Geraniums to ensure they mature before fall.
Pennington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Pennington County, MN
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Bloom | August 2 | Aug 2 – Sep 27 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Pennington County
Growing Tips for Pennington County
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 Pennington County, MN?
Pennington County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pennington County, MN?
Pennington County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 30.
When should I plant Geraniums in Pennington County, MN?
In Pennington County, MN, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pennington County, MN for Geraniums?
Pennington County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Pennington County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Pennington County's temperate climate. Pennington County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 30.
Your Pennington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pennington County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.