When to plant Celosia in Morgan County, CO
In Morgan County, Celosia is a spring-only crop. Plant May 17–June 7 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Celosia in Morgan County, CO
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.
Morgan County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 7,673 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celosia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Timeline — Morgan County, CO
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Bloom | July 19 | Jul 19 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Morgan County
Growing Tips for Morgan 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 →
Celosia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celosia in Morgan County, CO?
Morgan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, CO?
Morgan County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Celosia in Morgan County, CO?
In Morgan County, CO, plant Celosia after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morgan County, CO for Celosia?
Morgan County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celosia grow in Morgan County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Morgan County's temperate climate. Morgan County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 5.
Your Morgan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morgan County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.