When to plant Celosia in Dickinson County County,
In Zone 5a (Dickinson County County), direct-sow Celosia between May 14 and June 4 for spring, after the April 30 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Celosia in Dickinson County, IA
Your June planting checklist for Dickinson County, Iowa
June is a pivotal month for Dickinson County, Iowa gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Begin indoor sowing: celosia
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: celosia
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.
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Dickinson County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia 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 Dickinson County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Celosia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dickinson County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Celosia will thrive.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Celosia
Celosia 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 | Celosia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dickinson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celosia 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.
Celosia Planting Timeline — Dickinson County, IA
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 4 |
| Bloom | July 16 | Jul 16 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| 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 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Dickinson County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Dickinson County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after April 30 in Dickinson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 →
Celosia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celosia in Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Celosia in Dickinson County County, ?
In Dickinson County County, , plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dickinson County County, for Celosia?
Dickinson County County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celosia grow in Dickinson County County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Dickinson County County's temperate climate. Dickinson County County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 6.
Your Dickinson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dickinson County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.