When to plant Geraniums in Ravalli County, MT
In Ravalli County, Geraniums is a spring-only crop. Plant May 28–June 11 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Geraniums in Ravalli County, MT
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.
Ravalli County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,813 feet, Ravalli County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Geraniums to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Geraniums successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ravalli County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Ravalli County, MT
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Bloom | August 6 | Aug 6 – Oct 29 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Ravalli County
Growing Tips for Ravalli 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 Ravalli County, MT?
Ravalli County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ravalli County, MT?
Ravalli County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Geraniums in Ravalli County, MT?
In Ravalli County, MT, plant Geraniums after the last frost (around May 21) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ravalli County, MT for Geraniums?
Ravalli County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Geraniums grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Geraniums grow in Ravalli County's climate?
Yes — Geraniums grows well in Ravalli County's temperate climate. Ravalli County averages a 122-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 21 and first frost around September 20.
Your Ravalli County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ravalli County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.