When to plant Celosia in Saline County, MO
Saline County gardeners should plant Celosia between April 20 and May 11 in spring. With Saline County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 13), Celosia needs 60–90 days to mature — plant by July 26 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Celosia in Saline 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.
Saline County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,385 feet, Saline County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Saline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Timeline — Saline County, MO
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Bloom | June 22 | Jun 22 – Oct 12 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Saline County
Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, MO?
Saline County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Saline County, MO?
Saline County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Celosia in Saline County, MO?
In Saline County, MO, plant Celosia after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saline County, MO for Celosia?
Saline 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 Saline County's climate?
Yes — Celosia grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.
Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Saline 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.