When to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Oldham County, TX
June in the garden — Oldham County, Texas
Here's what deserves your attention in Oldham County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start sedum (stonecrop) indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (April 19). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile, formerly Sedum spectabile) is a supremely tough, drought-tolerant perennial prized for its late-season interest. The flat-topped clusters of starry flowers open pink in late summer and deepen to copper-red as temperatures cool, remaining attractive well into fall and providing seed heads that feed birds through winter. Succulent foliage emerges blue-green in spring, is handsome all season, and turns bronzy after frost. Remarkably adaptable — thrives in poor, gravelly, or sandy soils where other perennials struggle — and virtually maintenance-free once established.
Oldham County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 2,350 feet, Oldham County receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Sedum (Stonecrop) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sedum (Stonecrop) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sedum (Stonecrop) root diseases.
Oldham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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 Oldham County
How your county's soil matches Sedum (Stonecrop)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.3) is more alkaline than Sedum (Stonecrop) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Oldham County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sedum (Stonecrop) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sedum (Stonecrop).
How to Plant Sedum (Stonecrop)
Succession Planting Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 to harvest before frost.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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 | Sedum (Stonecrop) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 12.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Oldham County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sedum (Stonecrop) 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.
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Timeline — Oldham County, TX
Sedum (Stonecrop) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Bloom | August 16 | Aug 16 – Nov 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Oldham County
Growing Tips for Sedum (Stonecrop) in Oldham County
Direct sow Sedum (Stonecrop) outdoors after April 19 in Oldham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Oldham County dries quickly — mulch Sedum (Stonecrop) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
General growing tips
Plant divisions or container plants in spring after frost danger passes, or in early fall. Excellent drainage is the primary requirement — upright border sedums will rot in wet, heavy soils over winter. Lean soil actually improves performance; avoid over-fertilizing which causes floppy stems. Tall cultivars (Autumn Joy, Matrona) may need light staking in rich soil. Divide every 3–4 years in spring when centers become sparse. Deadhead selectively — leaving seed heads through winter extends ornamental interest and feeds goldfinches. Very low water requirement once established. Year 2+ plants reach full clump size and peak bloom display.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sedum (Stonecrop) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sedum (Stonecrop) in Oldham County, TX?
Oldham County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Sedum (Stonecrop) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oldham County, TX?
Oldham County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Oldham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Oldham County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.