When to Plant Cosmos in Clinton County, OH
This month in Clinton County, Ohio
Your garden in Clinton County, Ohio is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Pick cosmos
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to July
- First harvests: cosmos
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an airy, feathery-foliaged cottage garden annual from Mexico that thrives on neglect. It produces delicate daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and magenta from midsummer until frost. Cosmos is a prolific self-sower — once established in a garden it often returns year after year without replanting. Excellent habitat plant for beneficial insects.
Clinton County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 902 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 32.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Cosmos Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Cosmos's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Cosmos's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Cosmos — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Cosmos will thrive.
How to Plant Cosmos
Succession Planting Cosmos
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Cosmos Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cosmos
Cosmos needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cosmos Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cosmos Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cosmos Planting Timeline — Clinton County, OH
Cosmos Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Oct 8 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Cosmos in Clinton County
Direct sow Cosmos outdoors after April 16 in Clinton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cosmos in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct-sow after last frost; cosmos germinates readily at 65-80°F in 7-10 days. Avoid rich soil — excess fertility produces lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Cosmos tolerates poor, dry soil exceptionally well. Pinch seedlings at 8 inches to encourage branching. Self-sows freely; allow some seed heads to mature and drop for a no-fuss perennial effect in warm climates.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cosmos in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cosmos in Clinton County, OH?
Clinton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, OH?
Clinton County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton 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.