Blog

When to plant Celosia in Dade County County,

Dade County County's climate puts the Celosia spring window between April 1 and April 22. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.

When to Plant Celosia in Dade County, GA

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.

Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 77 feet, Dade County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celosia, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Dade County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 1
213 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31
Share this guide:

Dade County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celosia

Celosia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celosia Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 6.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celosia Planting Timeline — Dade County, GA

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Bloom June 3 Jun 3 – Oct 14

Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 7b

📆 Growing Season

213 days in Dade County

Growing Tips for Dade 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 Dade County, GA?

Dade County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dade County, GA?

Dade County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Celosia in Dade County County, ?

In Dade County County, , plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dade County County, for Celosia?

Dade County County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celosia grow in Dade County County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Dade County County's temperate climate. Dade County County averages a 213-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7b). 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 Dade County, GA. 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.