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When to Plant Cosmos in Yoakum County, TX

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.

Yoakum County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 4,523 feet, Yoakum County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Cosmos may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cosmos will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cosmos root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Yoakum County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Yoakum County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cosmos Planting Timeline — Yoakum County, TX

Cosmos Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 13
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Bloom June 8 Jun 8 – Oct 12

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
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

213 days in Yoakum County

Growing Tips for Yoakum 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 Yoakum County, TX?

Yoakum County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Yoakum County, TX?

Yoakum County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 5.

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Your Yoakum County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Yoakum 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.

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

Sources & credits

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