When to Plant Geraniums in Upshur County, TX
Geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are tender perennials grown as warm-season annuals throughout North America. Prized for their bold flower clusters, long bloom period, and tolerance of summer heat when planted in well-drained soil, they anchor window boxes, containers, and bed borders from late spring until hard frost. Zones 9b–11b can overwinter plants in the ground.
Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.
At an elevation of 51 feet, Upshur County receives approximately 74 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Geraniums may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Geraniums will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Geraniums root diseases.
Upshur County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Geraniums
Geraniums needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Geraniums Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Upshur County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Geraniums Planting Timeline — Upshur County, TX
Geraniums Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Bloom | May 4 | May 4 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 14" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
253 days in Upshur County
Growing Tips for Upshur County
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — germination is slow and erratic without bottom heat (70–75°F). Transplant after frost danger passes. Geraniums rarely direct-sown; cuttings or transplants are the standard. Deadhead spent umbels weekly to maintain continuous bloom. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In zones 10–11 plants may be left in ground year-round or overwintered as houseplants.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Geraniums in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Geraniums in Upshur County, TX?
Upshur County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Geraniums planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Upshur County, TX?
Upshur County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Upshur County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Upshur County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.