When to plant Celosia in Hodgeman County, KS
For Celosia in Hodgeman County, the safe spring window opens around April 28 and closes around May 19. Last expected frost is April 21, first fall frost October 16, giving a 178-day growing season.
When to Plant Celosia in Hodgeman County, KS
Your July game plan for Hodgeman County, Kansas
A quick July briefing for Hodgeman County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for celosia
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
August prep starts now
- 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.
Hodgeman County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 662 feet, Hodgeman County receives approximately 27.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Hodgeman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
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 Hodgeman County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.5) is more alkaline than Celosia prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Hodgeman County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hodgeman 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 — Hodgeman County, KS
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 20 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Hodgeman County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Hodgeman County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after April 21 in Hodgeman 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 Hodgeman County, KS?
Hodgeman County is in Zone 6b 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 Hodgeman County, KS?
Hodgeman County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Celosia in Hodgeman County, KS?
In Hodgeman County, KS, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hodgeman County, KS for Celosia?
Hodgeman 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 Hodgeman County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Hodgeman County's temperate climate. Hodgeman County averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 16.
Your Hodgeman County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hodgeman 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.