Blog

When to Plant Celosia in Mayes 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.

Mayes County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 777 feet, Mayes County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Mayes County, OK (Zone 7a) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Mayes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.3

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mayes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Celosia Planting Timeline — Mayes County, OK

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Bloom June 11 Jun 11 – Oct 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

201 days in Mayes County

Growing Tips for Mayes 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 Mayes County, OK?

Mayes County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mayes County, OK?

Mayes County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 27.

🌱

Your Mayes County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mayes County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mayes County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.