When to Plant Begonias in Sumner County, TN
This month in Sumner County, Tennessee
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Sumner County, Tennessee this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start begonias indoors
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
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Basket week: begonias
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Sumner County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,917 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Begonias during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Begonias root diseases.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.9
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 Sumner County
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.9) overlaps with Begonias's range (5.5–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sumner County is excellent for Begonias — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Begonias.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sumner 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 — Sumner County, TN
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Oct 22 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Sumner County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Sumner County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after April 09 in Sumner County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Sumner County, TN?
Sumner County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, TN?
Sumner County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner 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.