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When to Plant Celosia in Webb 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.

Webb County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.

At an elevation of 3,543 feet, Webb County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°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.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Webb County, TX (Zone 9b) Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

Webb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.7

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 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering

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

Celosia Planting Timeline — Webb County, TX

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 12 Jan 12 – Jan 26
Transplant Outdoors January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 2
Direct Sow January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 9
Bloom March 23 Mar 23 – Oct 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Bloom
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

303 days in Webb County

Growing Tips for Webb 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 Webb County, TX?

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

What planting zone is Webb County, TX?

Webb County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 9.

🌱

Your Webb County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Webb 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.

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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 Webb County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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