When to plant Celosia in Pendleton County, KY
In Zone 6b (Pendleton County), direct-sow Celosia between April 23 and May 14 for spring, after the April 16 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Celosia in Pendleton County, KY
Top priorities for Pendleton County, Kentucky gardeners in August
A quick August briefing for Pendleton County, Kentucky gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Collect celosia at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to September
- 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.
Pendleton County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 3,475 feet, Pendleton County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Pendleton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 Pendleton County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Celosia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pendleton County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Celosia prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pendleton 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 — Pendleton County, KY
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Oct 15 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Pendleton County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Pendleton County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after April 16 in Pendleton 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 Pendleton County, KY?
Pendleton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pendleton County, KY?
Pendleton County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Celosia in Pendleton County, KY?
In Pendleton County, KY, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pendleton County, KY for Celosia?
Pendleton 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 Pendleton County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Pendleton County's temperate climate. Pendleton County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 25.
Your Pendleton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pendleton 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.