When to plant Celosia in Harrison County, MO
Celosia planted in Harrison County between April 26 and May 17 matures in 60–90 days — well before the October 15 first frost.
When to Plant Celosia in Harrison County, MO
Harrison County, Missouri gardeners: here's your June plan
A quick June briefing for Harrison County, Missouri gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for celosia
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Harrison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,349 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 37.7 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.
Harrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.9
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 Harrison County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.9) overlaps with Celosia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Harrison County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Harrison 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 — Harrison County, MO
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Bloom | June 28 | Jun 28 – Oct 4 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Harrison County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Harrison County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after April 19 in Harrison 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 Harrison County, MO?
Harrison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harrison County, MO?
Harrison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Celosia in Harrison County, MO?
In Harrison County, MO, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Harrison County, MO for Celosia?
Harrison 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 Harrison County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Harrison County's temperate climate. Harrison County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.
Your Harrison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Harrison 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.