When to Plant Celosia in Donley County, TX
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.
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 4,196 feet, Donley County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Celosia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Celosia will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.
Donley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.2
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Donley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celosia Planting Timeline — Donley County, TX
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Bloom | June 9 | Jun 9 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Donley County
Growing Tips for Donley 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 Donley County, TX?
Donley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Donley County, TX?
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Donley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Donley County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.