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When to Plant Celosia in Uinta County, WY

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.

Uinta County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is August 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 75 days.

At an elevation of 5,768 feet, Uinta County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Celosia to ensure they mature before fall.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Uinta County, WY (Zone 5a) Very short season
75 days
Last Spring Frost June 17
75 growing days
First Fall Frost August 31

Uinta County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-8.3

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Oct 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Celosia Planting Timeline — Uinta County, WY

Celosia Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 13 May 13 – May 27
Transplant Outdoors July 1 Jul 1 – Jul 15
Direct Sow July 1 Jul 1 – Jul 22
Bloom September 2 Sep 2 – Dec 2

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
December Bloom

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 5a

📆 Growing Season

75 days in Uinta County

Growing Tips for Uinta 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 Uinta County, WY?

Uinta County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Celosia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Uinta County, WY?

Uinta County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is August 31.

🌱

Your Uinta County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Uinta 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.

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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 Uinta County, WY. 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.