When to Plant Ageratum in Carter County, TN
This month in Carter County, Tennessee
June is a pivotal month for Carter County, Tennessee gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the ageratum
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: ageratum
Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.
Carter County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 3,776 feet, Carter County receives approximately 53.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ageratum root diseases.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Ageratum 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 Carter County
How your county's soil matches Ageratum's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.0) overlaps with Ageratum's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carter County is excellent for Ageratum — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Ageratum.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Ageratum.
How to Plant Ageratum
Succession Planting Ageratum
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Ageratum Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ageratum
Ageratum needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ageratum Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Carter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ageratum 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.
Ageratum Planting Timeline — Carter County, TN
Ageratum Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 11 | Jun 11 – Oct 15 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| 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
60–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Ageratum in Carter County
Direct sow Ageratum outdoors after April 16 in Carter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ageratum in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ageratum in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ageratum in Carter County, TN?
Carter County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Ageratum planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, TN?
Carter County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.