When to plant Bleeding Hearts in Cass County, MO
Cass County's short 191-day growing season means one Bleeding Hearts planting between April 21 and May 5. No fall crop in Zone 6b.
When to Plant Bleeding Hearts in Cass County, MO
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.
Cass County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 910 feet, Cass County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bleeding Hearts during the growing season.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bleeding Hearts Planting Timeline — Cass County, MO
Bleeding Hearts Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Bloom | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Cass County
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 Cass County, MO?
Cass County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Bleeding Hearts planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, MO?
Cass County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Bleeding Hearts in Cass County, MO?
In Cass County, MO, plant Bleeding Hearts after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cass County, MO for Bleeding Hearts?
Cass 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 Cass County's climate?
Yes — Bleeding Hearts grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 22.
Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cass 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.