When to Plant Celosia in Fremont County, WY
Your July planting checklist for Fremont County, Wyoming
Welcome to July in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: celosia
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Fremont County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 6,059 feet, Fremont County receives approximately 14.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Celosia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fremont County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Fremont County
How your county's soil matches Celosia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Celosia prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fremont 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 (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Celosia.
How to Plant Celosia
Succession Planting Celosia
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Celosia Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Fremont 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 — Fremont County, WY
Celosia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Bloom | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 9" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Fremont County
Growing Tips for Celosia in Fremont County
Direct sow Celosia outdoors after May 15 in Fremont County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Fremont County receives only 15" of rain annually. Celosia needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Fremont County, WY?
Fremont County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fremont County, WY?
Fremont County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Fremont County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fremont County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.