Blog

When to plant Celosia in Pulaski County, AR

In Pulaski County, plant Celosia in spring between March 13 and April 3, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Pulaski County's last frost averages March 20, 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 11.

When to Plant Celosia in Pulaski 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.

Pulaski County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 1,055 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 48.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Pulaski County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, AR

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 – Apr 3
Bloom May 15 May 15 – Oct 9

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

236 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, AR?

Pulaski County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pulaski County, AR?

Pulaski County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.

When should I plant Celosia in Pulaski County, AR?

In Pulaski County, AR, plant Celosia after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pulaski County, AR for Celosia?

Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 11.

🌱

Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.