When to Plant Celosia in Carter County, OK
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.
Carter County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.
At an elevation of 648 feet, Carter County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Timeline — Carter County, OK
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Bloom | May 23 | May 23 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
219 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Carter 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 Carter County, OK?
Carter County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, OK?
Carter County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.