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When to Plant Cosmos in Pushmataha County, OK

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.

Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 465 feet, Pushmataha County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Pushmataha County, OK (Zone 8a) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Pushmataha County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cosmos

Cosmos needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cosmos Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cosmos Planting Timeline — Pushmataha County, OK

Cosmos Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Direct Sow March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 9
Bloom May 28 May 28 – Oct 15

Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
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 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

213 days in Pushmataha County

Growing Tips for Pushmataha County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cosmos in Pushmataha County, OK?

Pushmataha County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pushmataha County, OK?

Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 1.

🌱

Your Pushmataha County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pushmataha 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.

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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 Pushmataha County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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