When to plant Celosia in Five Points, CA
Five Points's climate puts the Celosia spring window between February 9 and March 2. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.
When to Plant Celosia in Five Points, CA
August in the garden — Fresno County, California
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Fresno County, California this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: celosia
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Coming up in September — start thinking about
- First harvests: celosia
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.
Five Points, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 2,276 feet, Fresno County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Celosia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celosia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Five Points Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Five Points
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) overlaps with Celosia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fresno County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Celosia
Celosia needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celosia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fresno County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celosia Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celosia Planting Timeline — Five Points, CA
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Bloom | April 13 | Apr 13 – Nov 2 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
266 days in Fresno County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Five Points
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after March 02 in Fresno County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Fresno County, provide afternoon shade for Celosia and water deeply in the morning.
Fresno County receives only 15" of rain annually. Celosia needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 →
Celosia in Other Locations
When should I plant Celosia in Five Points, CA?
In Five Points, CA, plant Celosia after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Five Points, CA for Celosia?
Five Points sits in USDA Zone 9b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celosia grow in Five Points's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Five Points's temperate climate. Five Points averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 23.
Your Fresno County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fresno County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.