When to plant Geraniums in Gorin, MO
Gorin sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Geraniums April 26–May 10 for the single annual harvest; the October 16 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Geraniums in Gorin, MO
Your June gardening checklist
Your garden in Scotland County, Missouri is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Start geraniums under lights
These need a head start before your last frost (April 19). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Gorin, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 755 feet, Scotland County receives approximately 40 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.
Gorin Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 Gorin
How your county's soil matches Geraniums's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Geraniums's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scotland County is excellent for Geraniums — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Geraniums.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Geraniums.
How to Plant Geraniums
Succession Planting Geraniums
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scotland 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 — Gorin, MO
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Bloom | July 5 | Jul 5 – Oct 4 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Scotland County
Growing Tips for Geraniums in Gorin
Direct sow Geraniums outdoors after April 19 in Scotland 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
When should I plant Geraniums in Gorin, MO?
In Gorin, MO, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gorin, MO for Geraniums?
Gorin sits in USDA Zone 6a. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Gorin's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Gorin's temperate climate. Gorin averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.
Your Scotland County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scotland 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.