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When to plant Celosia in Leslie County, KY

Plant Celosia in Leslie County after April 22; the prime window is April 22–May 13.

When to Plant Celosia in Leslie County, KY

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.

Leslie County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 2,667 feet, Leslie County receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Leslie County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Leslie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Leslie County, KY

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Direct Sow April 22 Apr 22 – May 13
Bloom June 24 Jun 24 – Oct 21

Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Leslie County

Growing Tips for Leslie 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celosia in Leslie County, KY?

Leslie County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Leslie County, KY?

Leslie County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Celosia in Leslie County, KY?

In Leslie County, KY, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Leslie County, KY for Celosia?

Leslie County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celosia grow in Leslie County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Leslie County's temperate climate. Leslie County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Leslie County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Leslie County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Leslie County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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