When to plant Celosia in Lucas County, IA
Spring Celosia in Lucas County goes in April 28–May 19, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Celosia in Lucas County, IA
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.
Lucas County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 638 feet, Lucas County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Lucas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Timeline — Lucas County, IA
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Bloom | June 30 | Jun 30 – Oct 6 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Lucas County
Growing Tips for Lucas 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 →
Celosia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celosia in Lucas County, IA?
Lucas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lucas County, IA?
Lucas County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Celosia in Lucas County, IA?
In Lucas County, IA, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lucas County, IA for Celosia?
Lucas County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celosia grow in Lucas County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Lucas County's temperate climate. Lucas County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.
Your Lucas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lucas County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.