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When to plant Celosia in Audrain County, MO

The best window to plant Celosia in Audrain County, is April 17–May 8, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 10; first frost October 25.

When to Plant Celosia in Audrain County, MO

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.

Audrain County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 1,376 feet, Audrain County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Audrain County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Audrain County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Audrain County, MO

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Bloom June 19 Jun 19 – Oct 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

198 days in Audrain County

Growing Tips for Audrain 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 Audrain County, MO?

Audrain County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Audrain County, MO?

Audrain County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Celosia in Audrain County, MO?

In Audrain County, MO, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Audrain County, MO for Celosia?

Audrain 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 Audrain County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Audrain County's temperate climate. Audrain County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Audrain County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Audrain 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.

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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 Audrain County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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