When to Plant Celosia in Jack 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.
Jack County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 2,081 feet, Jack County receives approximately 66.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Celosia during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Celosia, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.
Jack County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.6
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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jack County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celosia Planting Timeline — Jack County, TX
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Bloom | May 21 | May 21 – Oct 15 |
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
228 days in Jack County
Growing Tips for Jack 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 Jack County, TX?
Jack County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jack County, TX?
Jack County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Jack County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jack 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.