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When to plant Celosia in Lewis County, ID

Lewis County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Celosia May 27–June 17 for the single annual harvest; the September 23 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Celosia in Lewis County, ID

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.

Lewis County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.

At an elevation of 4,861 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 13.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celosia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Lewis County, ID (Zone 6b) Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
126 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Lewis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Lewis County, ID

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 15 Apr 15 – Apr 29
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 – Jun 10
Direct Sow May 27 May 27 – Jun 17
Bloom July 29 Jul 29 – Nov 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

126 days in Lewis County

Growing Tips for Lewis 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 Lewis County, ID?

Lewis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lewis County, ID?

Lewis County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 23.

When should I plant Celosia in Lewis County, ID?

In Lewis County, ID, plant Celosia after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lewis County, ID for Celosia?

Lewis County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celosia grow in Lewis County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Lewis County's temperate climate. Lewis County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 23.

🌱

Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lewis County (Zone 6b). 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 Lewis County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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