When to Plant Begonias in Jefferson County, OK
June to-do list for Jefferson County, Oklahoma
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Jefferson County, Oklahoma this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Time to start begonias inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
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Basket week: begonias
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: begonias
Wax begonias (Begonia × semperflorens) are the workhorse shade bedding plant of American horticulture, offering continuous bloom from transplant to hard frost. Bronze or green-leaved varieties perform well from deep shade to full sun (in northern zones) and tolerate summer humidity better than most cool- season flowers. A staple of mass plantings, containers, and window boxes.
Jefferson County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 883 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 24.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Begonias 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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is more alkaline than Begonias prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Begonias — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Begonias will thrive.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Begonias Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Begonias
Begonias needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Begonias Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Begonias 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.
Begonias Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, OK
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Bloom | May 28 | May 28 – Oct 15 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Jefferson County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after March 26 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Jefferson County receives only 25" of rain annually. Begonias needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine; surface-sow on moist mix under lights, do not cover. Bottom heat (70–75°F) speeds germination. Transplant after frost; begonias are not direct-sown in practice. Pinch seedlings once for branching. Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogged conditions. Bronze-leaf types tolerate more sun; green- leaf types prefer shade to part-sun.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Begonias in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Begonias in Jefferson County, OK?
Jefferson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, OK?
Jefferson County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson 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.