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When to plant Cosmos in Bleckley County, GA

Plant Cosmos in Bleckley County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 16. Continue planting through March 9 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Cosmos in Bleckley County, GA

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an airy, feathery-foliaged cottage garden annual from Mexico that thrives on neglect. It produces delicate daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and magenta from midsummer until frost. Cosmos is a prolific self-sower — once established in a garden it often returns year after year without replanting. Excellent habitat plant for beneficial insects.

Bleckley County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 108 feet, Bleckley County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Cosmos may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cosmos, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cosmos root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Bleckley County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Bleckley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cosmos Planting Timeline — Bleckley County, GA

Cosmos Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 2
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 9
Bloom April 27 Apr 27 – Sep 28

Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

251 days in Bleckley County

Growing Tips for Bleckley County

Direct-sow after last frost; cosmos germinates readily at 65-80°F in 7-10 days. Avoid rich soil — excess fertility produces lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Cosmos tolerates poor, dry soil exceptionally well. Pinch seedlings at 8 inches to encourage branching. Self-sows freely; allow some seed heads to mature and drop for a no-fuss perennial effect in warm climates.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cosmos in Bleckley County, GA?

Bleckley County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bleckley County, GA?

Bleckley County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.

When should I plant Cosmos in Bleckley County, GA?

In Bleckley County, GA, plant Cosmos after the last frost (around March 9) and before the first frost (around November 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bleckley County, GA for Cosmos?

Bleckley County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cosmos grow in Bleckley County's climate?

Yes — Cosmos grows well in Bleckley County's temperate climate. Bleckley County averages a 251-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 9 and first frost around November 15.

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Your Bleckley County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bleckley County (Zone 8b). 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 Bleckley County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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