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When to Plant Vinca (Annual) in Calhoun County, TX

Calhoun County, Texas Zone 9b June

June to-do list for Calhoun County, Texas

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Calhoun County, Texas this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost February 16
Avg. first frost December 7
Soil temp (4") 86°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. Harvest vinca (annual) as they ripen

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
  • First harvests: vinca (annual)

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Annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also called Madagascar periwinkle, is one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant bedding plants available. Glossy foliage stays attractive all season while cheerful pinwheel blooms continue without deadheading. A top performer in hot, humid Southern summers where impatiens and begonias struggle. Self-cleaning; requires little maintenance once established.

Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.

At an elevation of 215 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Vinca (Annual) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Vinca (Annual) root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant
Calhoun County, TX (Zone 9b) Year-round
294 days
Last Spring Frost February 16
294 growing days
First Fall Frost December 7

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Vinca (Annual) Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (73 days to spare)
Start indoors: Nov 14 Transplant: Dec 26 🌸 Bloom: Mar 6 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 8 Transplant: Jan 19 🌸 Bloom: Mar 30 – Oct 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 30 Transplant: Feb 10 🌸 Bloom: Apr 21 – Nov 3

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 Calhoun County

How your county's soil matches Vinca (Annual)'s growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Vinca (Annual)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Calhoun County is excellent for Vinca (Annual) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Vinca (Annual).

How to Plant Vinca (Annual)

0.1"
Planting Depth
10"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Vinca (Annual)

5
successive plantings in your 294-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.

Vinca (Annual) Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Vinca (Annual)

Vinca (Annual) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Vinca (Annual) Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.2" 2.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Mar 2.2" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 9.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 3.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 2.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 2.2" 1.9" 0.3" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Calhoun County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Vinca (Annual) 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.

Vinca (Annual) needs ~1,940 GDD — county provides 7,153 GDD Excellent fit

Vinca (Annual) Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, TX

Vinca (Annual) Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 8 Dec 8 – Dec 22
Transplant Outdoors January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 2
Bloom March 30 Mar 30 – Oct 12

Plant 0.1" deep · 10" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Transplant Outdoors
February Transplant Outdoors
March Bloom
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

294 days in Calhoun County

Growing Tips for Vinca (Annual) in Calhoun County

Direct sow Vinca (Annual) outdoors after February 16 in Calhoun County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With summer highs reaching 99°F in Calhoun County, provide afternoon shade for Vinca (Annual) and water deeply in the morning.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination requires warm soil (75–80°F) and darkness. Do not cover seeds deeply; they need just a light dusting. Direct sowing is rarely practiced due to slow seedling establishment. Transplant after soil warms and frost danger has passed. Excellent drought tolerance once established; avoid overwatering. Performs best in well-drained beds or containers in full sun.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Vinca (Annual) in Calhoun County, TX?

Calhoun County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Vinca (Annual) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, TX?

Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 7.

🌱

Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calhoun County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.