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When to Plant Celosia in Melvin, Alabama (36913)

Location

Melvin, Alabama

ZIP Code

36913

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Celosia seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 22, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Celosia argentea
Days to Maturity 75 days
Mature Height 12-36"
Spread 9"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

9" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days

Ready to Plant Celosia in Melvin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 1, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

MarigoldZinniaBasil
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Celosia

See which plants help Celosia thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plume or cockscomb heads to dry fully on the plant until fluffy or papery.

Processing

Rub dried heads gently between hands over a bowl to release tiny seeds. Dry 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Celosia self-sows readily in warm climates. Seeds are tiny — store in small labeled packets.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 56 plants of Celosia. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celosia in Melvin, Alabama? +

In Melvin (Zone 8b), start Celosia seeds indoors around Sunday, February 1, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 22, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Melvin, Alabama? +

The average last spring frost date for Melvin, Alabama (ZIP 36913) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Celosia take to grow? +

Celosia typically matures in about 75 days from transplanting. In Melvin, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 22, 2026 plus 75 days.

Should I start Celosia indoors or direct sow in Alabama? +

Celosia should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Melvin, that means starting around Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Other Plants for Melvin

Growing Celosia in Zone 8b

Celosia (Celosia argentea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Melvin, Alabama, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Celosia seedlings outdoors around Sunday, March 22, 2026, about 1 weeks after your last frost date.