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When to plant Celosia in Beaverhead County, MT

Beaverhead County's 94-day season only supports one Celosia planting per year. Sow between June 24 and July 15 for the best chance at full maturity before September 12.

When to Plant Celosia in Beaverhead County, MT

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.

Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.

At an elevation of 7,645 feet, Beaverhead County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celosia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Beaverhead County, MT (Zone 5a) Very short season
94 days
Last Spring Frost June 10
94 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Beaverhead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Celosia Planting Timeline — Beaverhead County, MT

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Transplant Outdoors June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 8
Direct Sow June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 15
Bloom August 26 Aug 26 – Nov 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

94 days in Beaverhead County

Growing Tips for Beaverhead 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 Beaverhead County, MT?

Beaverhead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Beaverhead County, MT?

Beaverhead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.

When should I plant Celosia in Beaverhead County, MT?

In Beaverhead County, MT, plant Celosia after the last frost (around June 10) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Beaverhead County, MT for Celosia?

Beaverhead County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Celosia grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Celosia grow in Beaverhead County's climate?

Yes — Celosia grows well in Beaverhead County's temperate climate. Beaverhead County averages a 94-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 10 and first frost around September 12.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Beaverhead County (Zone 5a). 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 Beaverhead County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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