When to plant Celosia in Ottawa County, KS
Ottawa County's spring Celosia window runs April 21 through May 12. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Celosia in Ottawa County, KS
Ottawa County, Kansas gardeners: here's your June plan
Welcome to June in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick celosia
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July 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.
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 993 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Ottawa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Ottawa County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Celosia prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ottawa County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Celosia will thrive.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ottawa 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 — Ottawa County, KS
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Bloom | June 23 | Jun 23 – Oct 13 |
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
192 days in Ottawa County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Ottawa County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after April 14 in Ottawa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Ottawa County receives only 24" of rain annually. Celosia needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Celosia in Ottawa County, KS?
In Ottawa County, KS, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ottawa County, KS for Celosia?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Ottawa County's temperate climate. Ottawa County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.
Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa 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.