4 Key Dates for Planting Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema commutatum

By Kiersten Rankel

Jul 25, 20245 min read

  1. 🌑️ Optimal soil temp: 65°F-80°F for Chinese Evergreen growth.
  2. πŸ“… Frost dates matter: Plant after last frost to protect seedlings.
  3. 🌱 Regional guides vary: Check local planting times for best results.

Key Planting Factors

❄️ Frost Dates and Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen, with its tropical origins, is frost-sensitive. Frost dates are crucial in determining the safe planting window. Here's why:

  • Frost can damage or kill young plants. Ensure all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors.
  • Microclimates affect frost risk. South-facing slopes may experience earlier warming, but also run the risk of late frosts.

🌑️ Soil Temperature Needs

Soil temperature is a silent signaler for Chinese Evergreen's readiness to grow. It's about finding the sweet spot:

  • Optimal range: 65Β°F to 80Β°F during the day, no less than 60Β°F at night.
  • Stable warmth encourages flowering. Fluctuations can stress the plant, manifesting as discoloration or halted bud formation.

🌞 Day Length Considerations

Day length subtly guides the growth of Chinese Evergreen. It's not just about the hours of sunlight; it's about the rhythm of the seasons:

  • Longer days signal the start of the growing season. This is typically when Chinese Evergreen responds best to planting.
  • Short days of winter signal a natural rest period. It's a time for maintenance, not for planting or aggressive growth.

Regional Planting Guides

🌴 Southeast: Florida

Florida's warm climate allows for a broad planting window for Chinese Evergreen.

  • Aim for March through June to avoid the risk of frost and hurricanes.
  • Note that soil composition and annual rainfall vary, so adjust timing as needed for local conditions.

🌊 West Coast: California

California's diverse climates require attention to local microclimates when planting Chinese Evergreen.

  • March to June is generally ideal, leveraging the long growing season.
  • Coastal areas may plant earlier due to milder temperatures.

🌡 Southwest: Texas

Texas's size means planting times can vary significantly.

πŸ—½ Northeast: New York

New York's Chinese Evergreen planting is dictated by the end of frost season.

  • Wait until May to June when the soil has warmed up sufficiently.
  • Urban microclimates in cities like New York City may allow for slightly earlier planting.

πŸ”οΈ Mountain: Colorado

Colorado's elevation means a shorter growing season for Chinese Evergreen.

  • June to July is the safest bet to avoid late frosts.
  • Ensure soil temperatures are consistently warm before planting.

🌽 Midwest: Ohio

Ohio shares similar planting times with other northeastern states.

Starting Seeds Indoors

When to Start Indoors

Starting Chinese Evergreen seeds indoors is a strategic move to extend the growing season. The timing varies by region, but here's a general guide:

  • Southeast (e.g., Florida): Begin in late winter, around February.
  • West Coast (e.g., California): Start in early spring, such as March.
  • Southwest (e.g., Texas): Aim for late winter, around February to March.
  • Northeast (e.g., New York): Wait until mid-spring, around April.
  • Mountain (e.g., Colorado): Early spring, typically in March, is ideal.
  • Midwest (e.g., Ohio): Start in early spring, around March.

These timeframes ensure that seedlings are robust enough to handle the transition outdoors after the last frost date.

Transitioning to Outdoors

🌿 When it's time to move your Chinese Evergreen outdoors, follow these steps to minimize shock:

  1. Acclimatization: Begin the process after the last frost date when soil temperatures are consistently warm.
  2. Step-wise Exposure: Gradually introduce your plants to outdoor conditions over a week or two.
  3. Permanent Placement: Once acclimated, plant them in a location that mimics their indoor light conditionsβ€”bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade.

By following these guidelines, your Chinese Evergreen will have the best chance of thriving in its new outdoor environment.

State-by-State Planting Calendar

Creating a planting calendar for Chinese Evergreen is like mapping a journey for each state's unique climate. Here's your guide to when to plant this versatile houseplant for the best chance of flourishing in each corner of the United States.

  • Alabama: March - April
  • Alaska: May - June
  • Arizona: March - April
  • Arkansas: March - April
  • California: February - March
  • Colorado: May - June
  • Connecticut: April - May
  • Delaware: April - May
  • Florida: February - March
  • Georgia: March - April
  • Hawaii: Anytime (tropical climate)
  • Idaho: May - June
  • Illinois: April - May
  • Indiana: April - May
  • Iowa: April - May
  • Kansas: April - May
  • Kentucky: March - April
  • Louisiana: March - April
  • Maine: May - June
  • Maryland: April - May
  • Massachusetts: April - May
  • Michigan: April - May
  • Minnesota: May - June
  • Mississippi: March - April
  • Missouri: April - May
  • Montana: May - June
  • Nebraska: April - May
  • Nevada: March - April
  • New Hampshire: May - June
  • New Jersey: April - May
  • New Mexico: March - April
  • New York: April - May
  • North Carolina: March - April
  • North Dakota: May - June
  • Ohio: April - May
  • Oklahoma: March - April
  • Oregon: March - April
  • Pennsylvania: April - May
  • Rhode Island: April - May
  • South Carolina: March - April
  • South Dakota: May - June
  • Tennessee: March - April
  • Texas: February - March
  • Utah: May - June
  • Vermont: May - June
  • Virginia: April - May
  • Washington: March - April
  • West Virginia: April - May
  • Wisconsin: May - June
  • Wyoming: May - June

Remember, these are general guidelines. Local microclimates and weather patterns should also be considered to fine-tune your planting schedule.

Plant your Chinese Evergreen on the perfect day πŸ“… with Greg's local reminders and acclimatization tips, ensuring a seamless transition to a lush, thriving plant.


#Aglaonema

182 posts on Greg
Browse #Aglaonema