When to Plant Lobelia in Wilson County, TX
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a cool-season annual prized for the intense cobalt blue that is rare among bedding flowers. It blooms most prolifically in spring and early summer but stalls or dies back during heat peaks above 90°F. In zones 3–7 it delivers a long display; in zones 8–9 it is best treated as a spring annual that fades by midsummer. Trailing types cascade beautifully from containers and window boxes.
Wilson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 2,660 feet, Wilson County receives approximately 62.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lobelia during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lobelia root diseases.
Wilson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Lobelia
Lobelia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lobelia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wilson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lobelia Planting Timeline — Wilson County, TX
Lobelia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Bloom | March 4 | Mar 4 – Apr 1 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors |
| February | — |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Wilson County
Growing Tips for Wilson County
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine and requires light to germinate; surface-sow and press gently. Keep at 65–70°F. Not reliably direct-sown. Transplant in cool weather, 2–4 weeks before last frost date is acceptable in zones 5+. Shear plants by one-third after the first bloom flush to encourage a second flush in fall. Provide afternoon shade in zones 7+ to extend bloom into summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lobelia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lobelia in Wilson County, TX?
Wilson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wilson County, TX?
Wilson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 25.
Your Wilson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wilson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.