When to plant Cosmos in Nemaha County County,
For Nemaha County County, gardeners: plant Cosmos April 23 through May 14 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Cosmos in Nemaha County, KS
June in Nemaha County, Kansas — your action list
Each item below is timed to Nemaha County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: cosmos
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.
Nemaha County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 665 feet, Nemaha County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season.
Nemaha County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Cosmos 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 Nemaha County
How your county's soil matches Cosmos's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.4) is within Cosmos's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Nemaha County is excellent for Cosmos — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Cosmos.
How to Plant Cosmos
Succession Planting Cosmos
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
Cosmos Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cosmos
Cosmos 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 | Cosmos Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nemaha County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cosmos 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.
Cosmos Planting Timeline — Nemaha County, KS
Cosmos Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Bloom | July 2 | Jul 2 – Oct 8 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Nemaha County
Growing Tips for Cosmos in Nemaha County
Direct sow Cosmos outdoors after April 23 in Nemaha County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cosmos in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Nemaha County receives only 22" of rain annually. Cosmos needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 →
Cosmos in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cosmos in Nemaha County, KS?
Nemaha County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nemaha County, KS?
Nemaha County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Cosmos in Nemaha County County, ?
In Nemaha County County, , plant Cosmos after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nemaha County County, for Cosmos?
Nemaha County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cosmos grow in Nemaha County County's climate?
Yes — Cosmos grows well in Nemaha County County's temperate climate. Nemaha County County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 10.
Your Nemaha County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nemaha County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.