When to plant Celosia in Howell County, MO
Plant Celosia in Howell County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 9. Continue planting through April 30 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Celosia in Howell 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.
Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 696 feet, Howell County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Howell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Timeline — Howell County, MO
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Bloom | June 11 | Jun 11 – Oct 8 |
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 | — |
| 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
199 days in Howell County
Growing Tips for Howell 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 Howell County, MO?
Howell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howell County, MO?
Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Celosia in Howell County, MO?
In Howell County, MO, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Howell County, MO for Celosia?
Howell 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 Howell County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Howell County's temperate climate. Howell County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Howell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Howell 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.