When to Plant Celosia in Jackson County, TX
June to-do list for Jackson County, Texas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Pick celosia
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: celosia
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.
Jackson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 287 days.
At an elevation of 286 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 64.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Celosia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Celosia root diseases.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Celosia Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) overlaps with Celosia's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Celosia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Celosia.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 06 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Celosia
Celosia needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Celosia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Celosia Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Celosia Planting Timeline — Jackson County, TX
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Direct Sow | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 21 |
| Bloom | April 4 | Apr 4 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
287 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Jackson County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after February 21 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Jackson County, provide afternoon shade for Celosia and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
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 Jackson County, TX?
Jackson County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, TX?
Jackson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.