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When to plant Celosia in Nevada County, AR

In Nevada County, plant Celosia in spring between March 16 and April 6, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Nevada County's last frost averages March 23, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on November 4.

When to Plant Celosia in Nevada County, AR

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.

Nevada County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.

At an elevation of 1,493 feet, Nevada County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Nevada County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
226 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
226 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Nevada County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Nevada County, AR

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 – Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Bloom May 18 May 18 – Oct 12

Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
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 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

226 days in Nevada County

Growing Tips for Nevada County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celosia in Nevada County, AR?

Nevada County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nevada County, AR?

Nevada County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 4.

When should I plant Celosia in Nevada County, AR?

In Nevada County, AR, plant Celosia after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nevada County, AR for Celosia?

Nevada County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celosia grow in Nevada County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Nevada County's temperate climate. Nevada County averages a 226-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Nevada County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nevada 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Nevada County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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