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When to plant Geraniums in Union County, MS

Plant Geraniums in Union County during the brief March 23–April 6 window. With 213 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 29.

When to Plant Geraniums in Union County, MS

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.

Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 196 feet, Union County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Geraniums during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Geraniums, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting Fragrant
Union County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
213 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Geraniums Planting Timeline — Union County, MS

Geraniums Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Bloom June 1 Jun 1 – Oct 19

Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

213 days in Union County

Growing Tips for Union 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Geraniums in Union County, MS?

Union County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, MS?

Union County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Geraniums in Union County, MS?

In Union County, MS, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Union County, MS for Geraniums?

Union County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Geraniums grow in Union County's climate?

Yes — Geraniums grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 29.

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Your Union County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 8a). 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 Union County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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