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When to Plant Celosia in Hawaii

Celosia (Celosia argentea) encompasses the vivid cockscomb (cristata) and feathery plumed (plumosa) types that explode with color in summer heat. Drought-tolerant and disease-resistant, they thrive in the hottest parts of the season and produce long-lasting blooms both in the garden and as cut or dried flowers. A reliable filler in sunny annual beds.

Hawaii spans USDA hardiness zones 11a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Celosia planting dates based on your local frost dates.

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Celosia Planting Calendar for Hawaii

Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 20
Direct Sow November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 27
Bloom January 8 Jan 8 – Sep 10

Growing Tips for Hawaii

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost, or direct-sow after soil warms above 60°F. Does not transplant well from large pots — sow in small cells or direct-sow. Needs full sun and warm soil; cold stress causes stunting. Pinch first bloom to encourage branching. Water at the base; wet foliage encourages fungal issues. Excellent dried flower — harvest before seeds set for the best color retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celosia in Hawaii?

Planting dates for Celosia in Hawaii depend on your USDA zone. Hawaii spans zones 11a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Hawaii for planting?

Hawaii contains USDA hardiness zones 11a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.