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When to plant Celosia in Pulaski County, MO

Plant Celosia in Pulaski County from April 16 to May 7 in spring. Pulaski County sits in USDA Zone 6b, with last frost around April 9 and first frost on October 25.

When to Plant Celosia in Pulaski 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.

Pulaski County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. 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 877 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Pulaski County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Pulaski County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Celosia

Celosia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Celosia Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celosia Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, MO

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Bloom June 18 Jun 18 – Oct 8

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 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

199 days in Pulaski County

Growing Tips for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO?

Pulaski County is in Zone 6b 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 Pulaski County, MO?

Pulaski County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Celosia in Pulaski County, MO?

In Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO for Celosia?

Pulaski 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 Pulaski County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Pulaski County's temperate climate. Pulaski County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

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Your Pulaski County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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