When to plant Cosmos in Dougherty County County,
Plant Cosmos in Dougherty County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 7. Continue planting through February 28 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Cosmos in Dougherty County, GA
Your June planting checklist for Dougherty County, Georgia
Your Dougherty County, Georgia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Start harvesting cosmos
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: cosmos
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.
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 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.
Dougherty County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Cosmos 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 Dougherty County
How your county's soil matches Cosmos's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Cosmos prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dougherty County is excellent for Cosmos — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Cosmos prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Cosmos.
How to Plant Cosmos
Succession Planting Cosmos
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Cosmos Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cosmos
Cosmos 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 | Cosmos Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dougherty County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cosmos 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.
Cosmos Planting Timeline — Dougherty County, GA
Cosmos Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Bloom | April 18 | Apr 18 – Oct 3 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Dougherty County
Growing Tips for Cosmos in Dougherty County
Direct sow Cosmos outdoors after March 07 in Dougherty County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dougherty County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cosmos. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Dougherty County, provide afternoon shade for Cosmos and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Cosmos in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Cosmos in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cosmos in Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
When should I plant Cosmos in Dougherty County, ?
In Dougherty County, , plant Cosmos after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dougherty County, for Cosmos?
Dougherty County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cosmos grow in Dougherty County's climate?
Yes — Cosmos grows well in Dougherty County's temperate climate. Dougherty County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Dougherty County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dougherty County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.