When to Plant Celosia in Keya Paha County, NE
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.
Keya Paha County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 1,079 feet, Keya Paha County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall.
Keya Paha County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Keya Paha County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celosia Planting Timeline — Keya Paha County, NE
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Bloom | July 26 | Jul 26 – Oct 25 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Keya Paha County
Growing Tips for Keya Paha 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 Keya Paha County, NE?
Keya Paha County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Keya Paha County, NE?
Keya Paha County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Keya Paha County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Keya Paha 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.