When to plant Celosia in Cheyenne County, CO
Cheyenne County's spring Celosia window runs May 9 through May 30. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Celosia in Cheyenne County, CO
Your August game plan for Cheyenne County, Colorado
August is a pivotal month for Cheyenne County, Colorado gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick celosia
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to September
- 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.
Cheyenne County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 7,824 feet, Cheyenne County receives approximately 21.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Cheyenne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Cheyenne County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Celosia prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cheyenne County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Celosia.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cheyenne 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 — Cheyenne County, CO
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Bloom | July 11 | Jul 11 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Cheyenne County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Cheyenne County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after May 02 in Cheyenne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Cheyenne County receives only 21" 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celosia in Cheyenne County, CO?
Cheyenne County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cheyenne County, CO?
Cheyenne County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Celosia in Cheyenne County, CO?
In Cheyenne County, CO, plant Celosia after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cheyenne County, CO for Celosia?
Cheyenne County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celosia grow in Cheyenne County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Cheyenne County's temperate climate. Cheyenne County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 11.
Your Cheyenne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cheyenne County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.