When to plant Celosia in Waldo County, ME
Plant Celosia in Waldo County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 15. Continue planting through June 5 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Celosia in Waldo County, ME
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.
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 966 feet, Waldo County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall.
Waldo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Timeline — Waldo County, ME
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Bloom | July 17 | Jul 17 – Oct 23 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Waldo County
Growing Tips for Waldo 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 →
Celosia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Celosia in Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Celosia in Waldo County, ME?
In Waldo County, ME, plant Celosia after the last frost (around May 8) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Waldo County, ME for Celosia?
Waldo County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Celosia grow in Waldo County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Waldo County's temperate climate. Waldo County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 8 and first frost around October 6.
Your Waldo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Waldo County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.