When to Plant Cosmos in Greene County, VA
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.
Greene County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 254 feet, Greene County receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season.
Greene County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cosmos Planting Timeline — Greene County, VA
Cosmos Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Bloom | June 15 | Jun 15 – Oct 19 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" 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 6–8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Greene County
Growing Tips for Greene 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 →
Cosmos in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cosmos in Greene County, VA?
Greene County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Greene County, VA?
Greene County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Greene County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Greene 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.