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When to plant Cosmos in Clark County, IN

The best window to plant Cosmos in Clark County, is April 10–May 1, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 10; first frost October 22.

When to Plant Cosmos in Clark County, IN

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.

Clark County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 1,265 feet, Clark County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Clark County, IN (Zone 7a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cosmos Planting Timeline — Clark County, IN

Cosmos Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Bloom June 19 Jun 19 – Oct 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Bloom
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 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

195 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark 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 Clark County, IN?

Clark County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, IN?

Clark County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Cosmos in Clark County, IN?

In Clark County, IN, plant Cosmos after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, IN for Cosmos?

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cosmos grow in Clark County's climate?

Yes — Cosmos grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.

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Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark County (Zone 7a). 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 Clark County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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