When to plant Cosmos in Howard County, AR
Plant Cosmos in Howard County from March 17 to April 7 in spring. Howard County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 31 and first frost on November 3.
When to Plant Cosmos in Howard County, AR
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an airy, feathery-foliaged cottage garden annual from Mexico that thrives on neglect. It produces delicate daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and magenta from midsummer until frost. Cosmos is a prolific self-sower — once established in a garden it often returns year after year without replanting. Excellent habitat plant for beneficial insects.
Howard County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 537 feet, Howard County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cosmos root diseases.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cosmos Planting Timeline — Howard County, AR
Cosmos Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Bloom | May 26 | May 26 – Oct 13 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Howard County
Growing Tips for Howard County
Direct-sow after last frost; cosmos germinates readily at 65-80°F in 7-10 days. Avoid rich soil — excess fertility produces lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Cosmos tolerates poor, dry soil exceptionally well. Pinch seedlings at 8 inches to encourage branching. Self-sows freely; allow some seed heads to mature and drop for a no-fuss perennial effect in warm climates.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cosmos in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cosmos in Howard County, AR?
Howard County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, AR?
Howard County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Cosmos in Howard County, AR?
In Howard County, AR, plant Cosmos after the last frost (around March 31) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howard County, AR for Cosmos?
Howard County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cosmos grow in Howard County's climate?
Yes — Cosmos grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 217-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 31 and first frost around November 3.
Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.