Celosia in Zone 3a & 3b
Celosia argentea
When to plant celosia in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Celosia tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 25–Sep 1 (~80 days after planting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2.5 ft.
Celosia is a dense, upright bloomer (either the crested "brain" type or the feathery plume type) that handles heat and drought well once it's up and growing, making it one of the more forgiving flowers on this list.
How celosia fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Celosia needs about 80 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Celosia.
Where to buy celosia seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing celosia" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Celosia in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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