When to Plant Begonias in Donley County, TX
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Donley County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start begonias indoors
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Pick begonias
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to 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.
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 4,196 feet, Donley County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Begonias may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Begonias will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Begonias root diseases.
Donley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.2
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 Donley County
How your county's soil matches Begonias's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.2) is more alkaline than Begonias prefers (5.5–6.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Donley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Begonias will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Begonias.
How to Plant Begonias
Succession Planting Begonias
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 to harvest before frost.
Begonias Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Donley 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 — Donley County, TX
Begonias Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Bloom | June 16 | Jun 16 – Oct 20 |
· 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Donley County
Growing Tips for Begonias in Donley County
Direct sow Begonias outdoors after April 07 in Donley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Donley County dries quickly — mulch Begonias with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Donley County, provide afternoon shade for Begonias and water deeply in the morning.
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 Donley County, TX?
Donley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Begonias planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Donley County, TX?
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Donley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Donley 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.